DUFC

UNITED DISAPPOINT AT FIR PARK

12th January 2002

United reverted back to their disappointing SPL form of recent months when Motherwell deservedly defeated the Tannadice side 0-2 in front of a disappointing attendance of 4,631.

Both teams had recorded wins in their previous SPL matches, United at Easter Road while the home side had beaten Dundee 4-2 at Fir Park in midweek.

David Hannah returned to the team with Jamie Fullarton dropping out through suspension. In a 4-4-2 formation, Carson on the right and Paterson on the left were in to provide width while Lilley and Hamilton were the front men. Wright maintained his place at the heart of the United defence alongside Jim Lauchlan.

Motherwell started brightly putting the United defence under pressure in the opening stages although Paul Gallacher dealt comfortably with everything thrown at him. The Tangerines began to come into the game and nearly opened the scoring following a loose back header from Karl Ready that released Jim Hamilton in on 'Well keeper Woods however United's top scorer failed to get his shot on target.

The work-rate and closing-down abilities displayed by Eric Black's side were too much for Alex Smith's team and although there was no scoring by the interval, Motherwell were ahead on points.

Half-Time: Motherwell 0 United 0

The home side stepped up the pressure in the second period and it came as no real surprise when, following a low and hard free kick into the United box, McFadden pounced to deflect the ball into the net to put the home side ahead.

McIntyre came on for Paterson and then Miller for Carson and it was the United midfielder who almost set up an equaliser as the Tangerines came back strongly for a brief period. Homing in on the Motherwell penalty box, he slipped a through ball through to Jim McIntyre who was tackled and fell to the ground however Referee Tom Brown waved play-on.

If that decision took some heart out of United, a powerful volley from Steven Hammell put Motherwell two ahead essentially killing off any hopes of a comeback by the visitors.

Full Time: Motherwell 2 United 0

Motherwell moved up the SPL table to tenth slot while United slipped to ninth, just one point ahead of their hosts. Best for United were Paul Gallacher and Jim Lauchlan (pictured) who played solidly in the visitors' rearguard.

UNITED: Gallacher, McCunnie, Lauchlan, Wright, Aljofree, Carson (McIntyre), Hannah, Easton, Paterson (Miller), Hamilton (Thompson), Lilley.

Subs not used: Combe, Wilson

For a detailed match report on this and all other United matches this season, click on the RESULTS/FIXTURES button on the menu bar.