Dundee United 2
Dundee 1
League (Premier League)

Match Report

When he signed for Dundee United during the close season, Joaquim Ferraz said he had always loved derby football in his native Portugal.

He proved it by heading the home team to victory in dramatic fashion.

The Bosman signing from Belenenses had to wait 65 minutes for his competitive debut, but still made a huge impact.

When he entered the fray, United were struggling to hold their city rivals at 1-1. But his introduction swayed the game.

First the 6ft 5ins striker struck woodwork with a header from a Jim Paterson corner. Then, with just five minutes left, he got the goal that sent Tangerine fans home happy.

Paterson crossed from the left and Ferraz rose high to head. For a moment it seemed Dark Blues keeper Robert Douglas would keep the ball out, but he couldn't hold the effort, and despite an attempt to clear by Shaun McSkimming, the ball rolled over the line.

It was exactly the start United boss Paul Sturrock wanted to the new season after a nightmare campaign last year which saw his team win only twice at home in the league.

It was also thoroughly deserved. Apart from a spell around half-time, the Tangerines always had the edge in what was never a classic derby but still managed to provide value for money.

United got going in the 14th minute when they snatched the opener.

Paterson, one of the United young guns who showed up well, sent over a fine corner. When the Dundee defence dithered, Swede Magnus Skoldmark had time to control the ball before smashing it past Douglas from six yards.

United then enjoyed territorial advantage without threatening to double their lead. Dundee came back into the game, but on the only occasion in the first half they should have scored, Steven Tweed headed wide.

Just after the re-start, Dundee seemed to find the way through the United defence and there was no great surprise when, from a Willie Miller pass, Willie Falconer got them level his 14-yard shot giving Alan Combe no chance.

At that point, Dundee looked set for a repeat of the two derby wins at Tannadice last season. However, the pendulum gradually swung back in United's favour.

As well as Ferraz, heroes for United were the impressive Jim Paterson and David Worrell Dundee's best were Steven Boyack and his fellow midfielder Gavin Rae.

Only Dundee's James Grady, for an off-the ball clash with Jason De Vos, was booked.

Match report written by The Sunday Post