First Team
JIM GOODWIN RECEIVES THIRD GLEN'S VODKA MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD OF THE SEASON
2nd May 2024
Dundee United travelled to Stenhousemuir this afternoon to play Motherwell in an SPL Reserve league fixture at Ochilview. Despite a hard playing surface the game was played in almost perfect conditions. United lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with McLean in goal behind a back four of Abbot, McAleenan, Kenneth and Gardiner. Club captain Derek McInnes formed a midfield trio alongside Robertson and Holmes and up front were Samuel, Dodds and McIntyre.
Despite a lively start, United found the Motherwell defence hard to break down and, whilst having the majority of the early pressure, rarely troubled Corr in the Motherwell goal. Motherwell took the lead on the half hour after neat play by Clarkston who crossed for Foran to head home from 6 yards. United's best effort in the first half was from Robertson who shot just over from 20 yards.
Half Time: Motherwell 1 Dundee United 0
United made two changes at half time with Callaghan and Cameron replacing McInnes and McIntyre but it was Motherwell who started better and McLean in the United goal was forced into making crucial stops to prevent the home side increasing their advantage.
United's job was made all the harder on 65 minutes when Gardiner was sent off after fouling Clarkston when the 'Well player was clean through on goal. Clarkston took the resultant free kick which struck the upright but rebounded straight to the feet on Foran who made it 2-0. On 72 minutes Motherwell sealed the points when Clarkston easily tapped in at the far post following a good cross by Wright. Late in the game Foran was fortunate not to follow Gardiner to the dressing room after an incident with Kenneth but the referee decided a verbal warning for both players was sufficient.
Full Time: Motherwell 3 Dundee United 0
Summary: Despite the defeat it was pleasing to see Derek McInnes and Jim McIntyre play a full 45 minutes in their bid for fitness. Garry Kenneth was again impressive with Euan McLean producing some excellent saves in the United goal.
United: McLean, Abbot, McAleenan, McInnes (Cameron 45), Kenneth, Gardiner, Robertson, Holmes, McIntyre (Callaghan 45), Dodds, Samuel.
Subs not used: Gibson, Andrew, Burnett.
Despite a lively start, United found the Motherwell defence hard to break down and, whilst having the majority of the early pressure, rarely troubled Corr in the Motherwell goal. Motherwell took the lead on the half hour after neat play by Clarkston who crossed for Foran to head home from 6 yards. United's best effort in the first half was from Robertson who shot just over from 20 yards.
Half Time: Motherwell 1 Dundee United 0
United made two changes at half time with Callaghan and Cameron replacing McInnes and McIntyre but it was Motherwell who started better and McLean in the United goal was forced into making crucial stops to prevent the home side increasing their advantage.
United's job was made all the harder on 65 minutes when Gardiner was sent off after fouling Clarkston when the 'Well player was clean through on goal. Clarkston took the resultant free kick which struck the upright but rebounded straight to the feet on Foran who made it 2-0. On 72 minutes Motherwell sealed the points when Clarkston easily tapped in at the far post following a good cross by Wright. Late in the game Foran was fortunate not to follow Gardiner to the dressing room after an incident with Kenneth but the referee decided a verbal warning for both players was sufficient.
Full Time: Motherwell 3 Dundee United 0
Summary: Despite the defeat it was pleasing to see Derek McInnes and Jim McIntyre play a full 45 minutes in their bid for fitness. Garry Kenneth was again impressive with Euan McLean producing some excellent saves in the United goal.
United: McLean, Abbot, McAleenan, McInnes (Cameron 45), Kenneth, Gardiner, Robertson, Holmes, McIntyre (Callaghan 45), Dodds, Samuel.
Subs not used: Gibson, Andrew, Burnett.
