MATCH REPORT | A PROMOTION PARTY AT TANNADICE
4th May 2024
Manager Alex Smith was pleased with the Under-21s' performance at Pittodrie on Monday night and it looks like several of those who took part could be involved when the first team head to the Granite City this weekend.
At the back Stephen Wright and David McCracken caught the eye while there were good displays in attack from Steven Thompson, Stephen Carson and David Winters, who got the Tangerines' goal in the 1-1 draw.
"It was a very good game and although it finished level we had enough chances to win and not winning was the only disappointment" said Alex on Tuesday. "Most pleasing for me was the number of good performances from players who looked hungry to get in the first team and there will be changes for this Saturday."
"Wright and McCracken were very solid at the back and they will be in my thoughts for Saturday. Wright has proved his fitness now and having him back gives us a few more options."
"At the other end of the park, young David Winters showed he has recovered his form after a slow start to the season, and the wonder goal he scored might just be enough to clinch a place on the bench. David was away with the Scotland Under-20s for the Milk Cup in Ireland in July and missed our trip to Holland, so he was lacking games with us," said Alex.
"He's also had to compete with the likes of Jim Hamilton, Derek Lilley, Jim McIntyre and Steven Thompson so it's been tough, but in the last couple of games he has shown he is back up to the standard we know he is capable of. For his goal he beat their keeper very well in a one-on-one situation and, while I'm not saying he's done enough to play on Saturday, he's in my thoughts."
The display of the Under 21 team was a tonic for the United boss. "After a defeat there is nothing worse than when you turn to the reserves and they don't play well. However, last night we had a lot of hungry players. "The Livingston defeat meant I was always going to make changes for the next game, but now I know I can do that with players who have earned their places."
At the back Stephen Wright and David McCracken caught the eye while there were good displays in attack from Steven Thompson, Stephen Carson and David Winters, who got the Tangerines' goal in the 1-1 draw.
"It was a very good game and although it finished level we had enough chances to win and not winning was the only disappointment" said Alex on Tuesday. "Most pleasing for me was the number of good performances from players who looked hungry to get in the first team and there will be changes for this Saturday."
"Wright and McCracken were very solid at the back and they will be in my thoughts for Saturday. Wright has proved his fitness now and having him back gives us a few more options."
"At the other end of the park, young David Winters showed he has recovered his form after a slow start to the season, and the wonder goal he scored might just be enough to clinch a place on the bench. David was away with the Scotland Under-20s for the Milk Cup in Ireland in July and missed our trip to Holland, so he was lacking games with us," said Alex.
"He's also had to compete with the likes of Jim Hamilton, Derek Lilley, Jim McIntyre and Steven Thompson so it's been tough, but in the last couple of games he has shown he is back up to the standard we know he is capable of. For his goal he beat their keeper very well in a one-on-one situation and, while I'm not saying he's done enough to play on Saturday, he's in my thoughts."
The display of the Under 21 team was a tonic for the United boss. "After a defeat there is nothing worse than when you turn to the reserves and they don't play well. However, last night we had a lot of hungry players. "The Livingston defeat meant I was always going to make changes for the next game, but now I know I can do that with players who have earned their places."
