Dundee United 1
Dundee 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

A classic example of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object. In the end it was United's irresistible attack which cracked open Dundee's solid defence for a late winner.

The Tangerines showed the classier touches, but Dundee fought for every ball perhaps a little too vigorously at times, as they had three players booked.

First-half was a catalogue of fouls and stoppages as both sides suffered from derby tension. After the break it was Ralph Milne who showed the deadlock could be broken with some scorching left-wing runs.

Indeed one minute into the second period Milne challenged the Dark Blues defence single-handed. After rounding 'keeper Kelly, he prodded the ball into the net, but the counter was disallowed for an infringement.

Milne continued to be a threat. Only some wretched crosses ruined his excellent leading-up work.

Dundee's sporadic attacks were mainly Mackie-inspired. Peter's fleetfooted dashes up the right wing always carried the menace of teeing up a chance for Ferguson or Stephen.

Midway through the second half Taylor was replaced by Reilly and it was the United sub who finally prised open the visitors' defence.

He fired in a fierce low drive from an acute angle. Kelly, who had been a hero to this point, stopped the ball but couldn't hold it. David Dodds, following up, rammed it high into the net.

The three Dundee players booked were Davidson (for grabbing Holt's jersey). Glennie (for tripping Milne in full flight) and Scrimgeour (for bringing down Reilly from behind).

United always showed a more settled approach. They had outstanding performers in Phillip, Narey, Dodds and Milne.

Dundee almost squeezed a draw out of this. Kelly, Smith, MacDonald and Mackie strove manfully for the visitors.

Match report written by The Sunday Post