MATCH REPORT | A PROMOTION PARTY AT TANNADICE
4th May 2024
A David Robertson goal in the final minute handed United a much deserved victory over Rangers and booked their place in the semi final of the Scottish Cup against First Division Raith Rovers.
Peter Houston made two changes to the United line up for the Scottish Cup replay against holders Rangers. Darren Dods came in for the ineligible Andy Webster and there was a starting place for David Robertson with Danny Swanson dropping to the bench. Surprisingly the visitors started without Boyd, Miller and Novo all of whom were listed as substitutes.
First Half:
United started the game full of intent and in the early minutes Daly had a shot well saved and then Conway shot wide. With six minutes gone United's hero from the first game Kovacevic then saw a lobbed effort just miss the target. Twenty minutes later it was United again who went close when after brilliant work on the right from Goodwillie, Steven Naismith deflected his pass just wide of the post. Two minutes later United then had a loud appeal for a penalty turned down. Conway sent in a clever free kick that Daly headed goal bound only for the ball to strike the arm of Lafferty and clear the crossbar. In the aftermath Garry Kenneth was booked for protesting. In the dying seconds of the half Kovacevic made an excellent saving tackle from the feet of Fleck but at the same time he pulled his hamstring and was replaced by Keith Watson.
Second Half:
After the break United immediately created another chance when the impressive Conway sent a low cross along the six yard line but unfortunately there were no takers. Conway then went close himself when his shot deflected off David Robertson but it was well saved by McGregor. Darren Dods then superbly took the ball from Lafferty in a dangerous position and then shortly after the Northern Ireland international sent a dipping shot that just cleared the crossbar. Rangers were starting to look dangerous and with 15 minutes to go Beasley set up Little but fortunately for United the young striker miss-hit his shot. With ten minutes left substitutes Novo and Miller combined but the Scotland man saw his shot well saved by Pernis. With a minute left the game looked destined for extra time when a brilliant header from Daly was brilliantly saved by McGregor however the play continued and David Robertson charged in to the penalty area and after challenging with McGregor the ball spun into the Rangers net.
Summing Up: A fabulous night for United and in the end a much deserved victory. They dominated the first half and perhaps should have had a penalty. In the end the club will be delighted to progress to the semi-final.
Man of the match - David Robertson. He put in a superb display in midfield and his last minute winner rounded off a great night for United.
Teams:
United: Pernis, Dillon, Dods, Conway, Daly, Robertson, Buaben, Gomis (Swanson 72), Kenneth, Kovacevic (Watson 44), Goodwillie
Subs not used : Banks, Myrie-Williams, Shala.
Rangers: McGregor, Edu, Weir, Papac, Naismith, Whittaker, Beasley, Lafferty Miller 75), Fleck (Novo 68), Little (Boyd 89), Wilson
Subs not used : Alexander, Smith
Referee : Dougie McDonald
Attendance : 11898
Peter Houston made two changes to the United line up for the Scottish Cup replay against holders Rangers. Darren Dods came in for the ineligible Andy Webster and there was a starting place for David Robertson with Danny Swanson dropping to the bench. Surprisingly the visitors started without Boyd, Miller and Novo all of whom were listed as substitutes.
First Half:
United started the game full of intent and in the early minutes Daly had a shot well saved and then Conway shot wide. With six minutes gone United's hero from the first game Kovacevic then saw a lobbed effort just miss the target. Twenty minutes later it was United again who went close when after brilliant work on the right from Goodwillie, Steven Naismith deflected his pass just wide of the post. Two minutes later United then had a loud appeal for a penalty turned down. Conway sent in a clever free kick that Daly headed goal bound only for the ball to strike the arm of Lafferty and clear the crossbar. In the aftermath Garry Kenneth was booked for protesting. In the dying seconds of the half Kovacevic made an excellent saving tackle from the feet of Fleck but at the same time he pulled his hamstring and was replaced by Keith Watson.
Second Half:
After the break United immediately created another chance when the impressive Conway sent a low cross along the six yard line but unfortunately there were no takers. Conway then went close himself when his shot deflected off David Robertson but it was well saved by McGregor. Darren Dods then superbly took the ball from Lafferty in a dangerous position and then shortly after the Northern Ireland international sent a dipping shot that just cleared the crossbar. Rangers were starting to look dangerous and with 15 minutes to go Beasley set up Little but fortunately for United the young striker miss-hit his shot. With ten minutes left substitutes Novo and Miller combined but the Scotland man saw his shot well saved by Pernis. With a minute left the game looked destined for extra time when a brilliant header from Daly was brilliantly saved by McGregor however the play continued and David Robertson charged in to the penalty area and after challenging with McGregor the ball spun into the Rangers net.
Summing Up: A fabulous night for United and in the end a much deserved victory. They dominated the first half and perhaps should have had a penalty. In the end the club will be delighted to progress to the semi-final.
Man of the match - David Robertson. He put in a superb display in midfield and his last minute winner rounded off a great night for United.
Teams:
United: Pernis, Dillon, Dods, Conway, Daly, Robertson, Buaben, Gomis (Swanson 72), Kenneth, Kovacevic (Watson 44), Goodwillie
Subs not used : Banks, Myrie-Williams, Shala.
Rangers: McGregor, Edu, Weir, Papac, Naismith, Whittaker, Beasley, Lafferty Miller 75), Fleck (Novo 68), Little (Boyd 89), Wilson
Subs not used : Alexander, Smith
Referee : Dougie McDonald
Attendance : 11898
