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NINE TROPHIES SCOOPED AT DUNDEE UNITED'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
6th May 2024
After picking up three points in their opening Betfred Group C match at home to Raith Rovers, United made the long trip North to take on Highland League champions Buckie Thistle at Victoria Park.
By Graeme Webster
United made four changes for their first ever trip to Victoria Park, Buckie. N’Koyi, Robson, Stanton and Lewis all came into the side that defeated Raith Rovers on Saturday.
First Half
It was a cagey start to this match in gloomy conditions in Buckie, with neither side able to carve open any opportunities in the opening ten minutes. United were first to threaten in the 13th minute and it was a McMullan strike that forced Bell to make a great one handed save. A few minutes later McMullan was presented with another chance as Billy King slung in a cross from the left. This time McMullan gave ‘keeper Bell no chance by slamming a right footed shot low into the bottom left corner.
United were dominant by this stage and playing some free-flowing, attacking football that was delighting the away fans. It was no surprise when the Tangerines doubled their lead. Just three minutes after the opening goal, Billy King finished off a neat attacking move when he steadied himself 20 yards from goal and hit a low drive into the corner of Bell’s goal. McMullan then came close again when he curled an effort towards the top corner only to see his shot cannon off a Buckie defender’s head en route to goal.
However, the Buckie goal was under constant threat and United made it three on the half hour mark. James Keatings swung in the corner kick and Mark Durnan smashed home a volley from just inside the box. Buckie were being pulled all over the park by United’s movement and pace – it looked like they might capitulate as United continued to press. The away side went close through Edjenguele, with a header blocked on the line and then N’Koyi, who was tackled as he ran clear on goal. Despite the pressure, United had to settle for a three goal lead at the interval.
Second Half
The second half never really got going and much of the early play was broken up by stoppages. Buckie looked to have rallied for the second period and had more of the ball in the opening 15 minutes. Second half substitute, Tam Scobbie, had to be quick to block John McLeod as he homed in on goal.
Without really gathering any momentum, United still carved open a few chances. First Sam Stanton sent N’Koyi through but he failed to control the ball and let Bell in to clear. Then with 20 minutes remaining, a lightening fast counter attack left Keatings in on goal but his effort was parried away by Bell. The rebound fell to Stanton but he rushed his effort and it flew over the bar. Jodie Briels picked up United’s only booking for a late foul on his Buckie counterpart.
With ten minutes left, James Keatings went down following an innocuous challenge. Clearly in pain, the physio rushed on to attend to the forward and after a short delay he was stretchered from the field of play. With United having used all of their substitutes, they were forced to see out the game with just 10 men. They did however create one last opportunity and this time it fell to Stanton who ended up scooping the ball over the bar from close in. The ref brought a halt to the play after a few minutes of stoppage time and while the second half never really lived up to the first half showing, United did a professional job to see out the game.
Summing Up – United put this game to bed early in the first half and managed the proceedings in the second half to ensure a clean sheet and comfortable win. Only dampener on the evening was the injury to the impressive James Keatings.
Man of the match – Paul McMullan looked lively and threatening throughout the match and topped off an excellent performance with a cracking goal.
Teams:
United: Lewis, Durnan (Scobbie 45), Toshney, Edjenguele, McMullan, N’Koyi (Allardice 74), King (Fraser 69), Robson, Stanton, Keatings, Briels
Un-used Subs: Ballantyne, Mehmet, Smith, Thomas.
Buckie Thistle: Bell, Skinner, Anderson, MacKinnon, Maitland, McLean, Fraser, Copeland (Murray 67), Angus, Taylor (Urquhart 57), McLeod (Ross 75).
Un-used Subs: Sim, Dorrat, Milne, Elder.
Referee: Graham Beaton
United were dominant by this stage and playing some free-flowing, attacking football that was delighting the away fans. It was no surprise when the Tangerines doubled their lead. Just three minutes after the opening goal, Billy King finished off a neat attacking move when he steadied himself 20 yards from goal and hit a low drive into the corner of Bell’s goal. McMullan then came close again when he curled an effort towards the top corner only to see his shot cannon off a Buckie defender’s head en route to goal.
However, the Buckie goal was under constant threat and United made it three on the half hour mark. James Keatings swung in the corner kick and Mark Durnan smashed home a volley from just inside the box. Buckie were being pulled all over the park by United’s movement and pace – it looked like they might capitulate as United continued to press. The away side went close through Edjenguele, with a header blocked on the line and then N’Koyi, who was tackled as he ran clear on goal. Despite the pressure, United had to settle for a three goal lead at the interval.
Second Half
The second half never really got going and much of the early play was broken up by stoppages. Buckie looked to have rallied for the second period and had more of the ball in the opening 15 minutes. Second half substitute, Tam Scobbie, had to be quick to block John McLeod as he homed in on goal.
Without really gathering any momentum, United still carved open a few chances. First Sam Stanton sent N’Koyi through but he failed to control the ball and let Bell in to clear. Then with 20 minutes remaining, a lightening fast counter attack left Keatings in on goal but his effort was parried away by Bell. The rebound fell to Stanton but he rushed his effort and it flew over the bar. Jodie Briels picked up United’s only booking for a late foul on his Buckie counterpart.
With ten minutes left, James Keatings went down following an innocuous challenge. Clearly in pain, the physio rushed on to attend to the forward and after a short delay he was stretchered from the field of play. With United having used all of their substitutes, they were forced to see out the game with just 10 men. They did however create one last opportunity and this time it fell to Stanton who ended up scooping the ball over the bar from close in. The ref brought a halt to the play after a few minutes of stoppage time and while the second half never really lived up to the first half showing, United did a professional job to see out the game.
Summing Up – United put this game to bed early in the first half and managed the proceedings in the second half to ensure a clean sheet and comfortable win. Only dampener on the evening was the injury to the impressive James Keatings.
Man of the match – Paul McMullan looked lively and threatening throughout the match and topped off an excellent performance with a cracking goal.
Teams:
United: Lewis, Durnan (Scobbie 45), Toshney, Edjenguele, McMullan, N’Koyi (Allardice 74), King (Fraser 69), Robson, Stanton, Keatings, Briels
Un-used Subs: Ballantyne, Mehmet, Smith, Thomas.
Buckie Thistle: Bell, Skinner, Anderson, MacKinnon, Maitland, McLean, Fraser, Copeland (Murray 67), Angus, Taylor (Urquhart 57), McLeod (Ross 75).
Un-used Subs: Sim, Dorrat, Milne, Elder.
Referee: Graham Beaton
