BRECHIN 0 UNITED 5

A  blistering second-half performance after a hard fought first period saw United chalk up their biggest win of the season and effectively secure a play-off.

By Peter Rundo

Manager Csaba László made just one change from the side that defeated Falkirk, bringing in Sam Stanton for Scott McDonald who dropped to the bench with Declan Glass making way.

A fine spring evening contrasted dramatically with the last time United visited Glebe Park last November when they were held to a 1-1 draw, one of only four games in which Darren Dods’charges have avoided defeat. Meanwhile, they were looking to chalk up a first win of the season and end a run of 15 straight defeats with a draw at home to Morton immediately after the 4-1 defeat at Tannadice, the last time they picked up a point

And the home side made a positive start with Dylna Macklin firing in a shot after just two minutes but it was well off target.

United, playing down the hill were soon buzzing around the Brechin goal with the home defence happy to clear the danger a  Paul McMullan cross posed.

On nine minutes neat build-up play between Mikkelsen and Stanton saw the latter set McMullan clear and his low angled grounder was saved Graeme at full stretch.

But a minute later, a Mackin header was tipped over by Deniz and from the resultant corner Paul McLaren was too high with his headed effort.

At the other end Thomas Mikkelsen was on the end of a Tony Ralston free-kick, but his looping header was easily collected by keeper Graeme Smith.

With 15 minutes gone, the home side made an enforced substitution, Jordan Sinclair limping off and Finn Graham replacing him.

James Dale became the first player to be booked after two fouls on Grant Gillespie within a matter of seconds.

By this stage it was clear that United were going to have to work hard for the three points that would take them to the brink of cementing a play-off place.

Indeed, midway through the half, an Issac Layne snap-shot was straight at Deniz.

An early ball from Jamie Robson found Stanton but he could only steer it into the net.

Paul McMullan required treatment on the half hour mark but happily was able to resume.

Ten minutes from the break a couple of corners almost proved productive with the United defence grateful to scramble the ball clear on each occasion.

Shortly afterwards, Mikkelsen fired in a low drive to which the keeper was again equal.

Five minutes from the interval, Gillespie was booked after receiving treatment for his lunging tackle on Sean Crighton.

Just before the break, Layne had a free-header but it lacked the power to beat Deniz. 

Half-time -  Brechin City 0 United 0

United started the second half with Scott McDonald on for Gillespie and almost fell immediately fell behind Mackin hitting the post.

And in a sizzling start to the second half and with three minutes gone, there was almost a goal at the other end; King getting on the end of a McDonald cut-back but his effort was cleared off the line by a defender at the near post.

And there was no such reprieve for the hosts after 51 minutes when McMullan laid the ball into McDonald’s path to tap home from close in.

And five minutes later, United broke quickly and McDonald turned provider, slipping the ball to the sprinting King who lashed home from 25 yards.

On the hour mark, a Flood drive was parried away by Smith and a minute later a Stanton shot was held by the keeper as United piled on the pressure.

Halfway through the second period, Flood’s finely judged crossfield pass fell perfectly for King but though he got his shot in it carried too much elevation.

With United now in total control Euan Spark was booked for a blatant obstruction after 70 minutes.

Jordie Briels came on for skipper Willo Flood with 16 minutes left and three minutes later Scott Fraser came on for Paul McMullan.

And with eleven minutes left, the points were totally wrapped up when McDonald splayed the ball out to the overlapping Anthony Ralston and having hit the bye-line crossed from which McDonald blasted a first-time volley from ten yards.     

And in the just under ten minutes left Scott Fraser found the top corner from a free-kick 25-yards out  - the perfect way to celebrate his 100th appearance.

Just before the final whistle Bilel Mohsni headed home a Fraser corner for his third for number five.

Brechin City – G Smith, McLean, Dyer, Dale (Lynas 86), Tapping, Layne, Spark, Orsi, Crichton, Sinclair (Graham 15), Mackin.

Subs not used – P O’Neill (GK), Watt, Morrison, Costello, E Smith.

United – Mehmet, Ralston, Murdoch, Mohsni, Robson, Flood (Briels 75), Gillespie (McDonald, 46), King, Stanton, McMullan, Mikkelsen.

Subs not used – Lewis (GK), Scobbie, Edjenguele, Smith.

Man of the Match – The introduction of Scott McDonald at half-time was the catalyst to United’s biggest win of the season. After a very hard fought goal-less first half he scored two and laid on another to take the accolade.

Referee – Craig Charleston