Dundee 0
Dundee United 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Our last two results have helped us gain valuable points in our efforts to clinch a place in Europe for next season. In each match there was something which showed that hopefully we are on the right lines. Against Rangers we played some good football and over the ninety minutes it is probably the best team performance since I came here. After the effort the players had put into the two Cup ties against Aberdeen it was possible that a reaction might have set in for the match against Rangers. The 2-1 scoreline proved that the players got over their disappointment of losing to Aberdeen and throughout the ninety minutes we created a number of chances. There was a lot of tired legs at the end of the match against Rangers but the players had achieved what they had set out to do win two home points and move within a point of Rangers in the table.

Last Saturday we travelled to Pittodrie hopeful of a win and full of confidence despite our poor record at Pittodrie. The swirling wind made conditions difficult for both sides and although we did not settle into our normal routine we came away with a well earned draw. In other matches this season we have played good football without getting the right result, last Saturday we did not play to the standard we can but came away with one point. It was also good to hear the backing the team received against Aberdeen from those Dundee supporters who travelled.

Today we are again involved in a match where the players need no geeing up. A local derby is something special and with both sides looking for full points today, you the spectators should witness a game of football with the accent on winning. Dundee United are still involved in the race for the title and the Scottish Cup and they will come here determined to further their progress towards the League flag. United have a strong squad who survived a sticky spell earlier on in the season and have come good at the right time. For our players it is a case of taking to the field and carrying on the good work of recent weeks. At this stage of the season a few results followed by one or two bad results would severely dent our hopes of a European place therefore it is up to the players to show the same commitment as they have done in recent weeks. The players know that they can take another step towards Europe by picking up two points but only if they play to their potential.

A difficult match is in prospect and both sides will have large followings and this is another opportunity for Dundee supporters to get behind their side and give them plenty of encouragement.