Dundee United 0
Dundee 2
League (Premier League)

Match Report

Dundee fans took great delight in singing, "There's only one team in Dundee."

After their second successive victory over United at Tannadice this season, they have every right to think this way, especially when you consider that United would like to take over their neighbours.

Although this derby was no classic, the visitors thoroughly deserved their victory. Dundee now seem certain to finish above United for the first time in 25 years.

Last time this happened, their present manager Jocky Scott was a dashing inside left, while United boss Paul Sturrock hadn't even played in the Tannadice first team.

Some 12 managers later, Scott, now in hisnsecond spell in charge, has moulded Dundeeb into a modern-day outfit who certainly know how to win games. United's cause wasn't helped when their Northern Ireland international defender, Darren Patterson, was dismissed for his second yellow card after his umpteenth foul on Eddie Annand.

However, by then, Dundee were ahead and in no mood to surrender their lead.

Big Brian Irvine was Dundee's hero, with a majestically headed goal from a Robertson corner.

Then, deep in injury time, substitute James Grady broke away, courtesy of a Boyack pass. to tuck the ball beyond Dykstra. Dundee have now won as many league games at Tannadice this season as United have.

This dreadful home record means the Tangerines still have the spectre of relegation hanging over them.

After being out-passed by Dundee in the first half, the home side tightened up with the introduction of John Eustace at half-time.

Although this gave United more of a foothold in midfield, they never looked like scoring. In fact, Rab Douglas in the Dundee goal had scarcely a save to make.

This was largely due to Dundee's central defenders, Irvine and skipper Barry Smith, being in total control.

Further forward, Steven Boyack must be the steal of the season at £25,000 from Rangers. The young midfielder delivers some fabulous passes, especially under pressure.

In fact, if Annand had been slightly sharper up front, Dundee could have had this game tied up before half-time. He missed two good chances, with only Dykstra to beat.

Yet, despite Annand's carelessness, the Dundee striker's all-action style caused United major problems all afternoon.

The Tannadice side now face a nervous last three weeks before knowing if they have enough points to survive.

On this showing, make no mistake, it's difficult to envisage them adding to their current total. Dundee are now in overdrive, getting better by the game.

Their only concern here was the booking of Irvine for dissent and Annand for a foul on Dykstra.

Man of the Match: Big BRIAN IRVINE was head and shoulders above anyone else at Tannadice, even before his glory goal.

Match report written by The Sunday Post