DUFC

TANGERINES READY FOR CHALLENGE

16th November 2001

Preparations for Saturday's encounter with St Johnstone are in full swing at Tannadice as Manager Alex Smith contemplates his options. On the injury front, Gallacher, Lauchlan and Fullarton reported match-fit on Friday morning and, whilst Derek Lilley and Jim McIntyre nurse knee-injuries, U-21 internationalists Tassos Venetis and Stephen Carson are keen contenders for the starting line-up as are David Hannah and Stephen McConalogue.

"Being a local derby, the match will naturally be a tough contest" commented Smith, plus the Perth side will travel to Tannadice with the desire to put their unlucky CIS Cup departure behind them when the Tangerines won 3-2 after extra time. "They probably felt aggrieved that we equalised in the 90th minute and then went on to win. We went behind back twice but came back twice - and it is this spirit we will require tomorrow".

"Recent clashes with the Saints have been very tight affairs, and in order to win again on this occasion, we have to do better than last week", warned the Team Manager. "This means getting off to a good start and not conceding stupid goals".