First Team
MATCHWORNSHIRT | CHAMPIONS
7th May 2024
It's back to winning ways for United as McKinnon’s men earn a deserved victory over Morton today at Tannadice and move to second in the league table.
By Tommy McKay
After a cagey start to the game United were the first to threaten on 22 minutes. McDonald exchanged passes with McMullan who cut inside and lashed a right foot shot from the edge of the box which was turned away for a corner by Gaston in the Morton goal.
United were forced into a change on 27 minutes when Lewis Toshney went down injury for the second time in the match and unfortunately couldn’t continue. He was replaced by Stewart Murdoch.
It was then Fyvie's turn to threaten the goal however his effort was just wide. Keatings then had a couple of chances to break the deadlock however his shot across Gaston dribbled wide and his header was well saved by the Morton goalkeeper.
Morton constantly tried to hit United on the break and despite causing problems with his pace Quitongo could muster a chance to test Lewis.
Second Half:
Into the second half and Keatings almost scored within 60 seconds of the restart however his shot from the corner of the box hit the outside of the post.
On 60 minutes Lewis was the hero for United. Quitongo raced onto a long ball and despite holding off Murdoch his shot was well blocked by Lewis and the danger was over.
In the 65th minute United had the lead their play deserved and it was a contender for the best goal they have scored so far this season. Billy King's ball into McDonald was flicked into the path of McMullan who found Keatings run with an exquisite pass and Keatings smashed a volley passed Gaston from 10 yards.
United continued to create half chances however they found themselves level on 75 minutes thanks to a set piece from Morton. Ricki Lamie’s knock down at the back post was tapped home from two yards by Bob McHugh.
Despite that sucker punch McKinnon’s men found the winner with six minutes remaining. N’Koyi did well to find King out wide after Morton half cleared. King's cross was headed onto the stanchion of the post by Mark Durnan but the rebound fell to Scott McDonald who did what he does best to score another goal at Tannadice.
All in all it was a deserved victory for United who moved up to second in the SPFL Championship table.
Man of the Match: Scott McDonald – A tough choice this week between McMullan and McDonald but the Aussie’s hold up and link up play and a third home league goal of the season saw him edge it ahead of the always threatening McMullan.
Dundee United: Lewis, Durnan ©, Toshney (Murdoch), McMullan, McDonald, King, Edjenguele, Robson, Keatings (N’Koyi), Briels (Stanton), Fyvie Subs not used: Flood, Allardice, M Smith, Deniz
Booked: McDonald
Morton: Gaston, Murdoch, O’Ware, Lamie, Doyle, Oliver (Armour), Forbes (Harkins), Quitongo (McHugh), Thomson, Tidser, Russell Subs not used: Tiffoney, McManus, Langan, Doohan
Booked: Doyle
Crowd: 5569
