DUFC

UNITED OPEN SEASON WITH A DRAW

3rd August 2000

Manager Alex Smith sent out a United side that contained just one of the three new close season signings for the first SPL match of the campaign when he selected Kevin McGowne to play alongside Jim Lauchlan in the central defensive partnership and they were flanked by McCunnie and Stuart Duff who had switched over to left back. The midfield was heavily populated with Easton, Miller, Griffin, Venetis and McIntyre in attendance while last season's top scorer Steven Thompson was up front. Icelandic star Gunnlaugsson was on the bench.

The first half was edged by newly promoted Partick Thistle although it was Danny Griffin who came close to opening the scoring in nine minutes through a free kick. On balance it was the Jags who came out on top in terms of attacking play in the first period with Paul Gallacher saving well from Martin Harvey.

United started the second half the better side, their best chance coming when Griffin put Venetis through one on one with Thistle keeper Budinauckas but the Greek star failed to score.
In 55 minutes Venetis was replaced by new signing Gunnlaugsson. Towards the end of the match Jim McIntyre was replaced by Jim Paterson after 81 minutes while Derek Lilley came on for Charlie Miller with two minutes remaining.

If Thistle edged the first half, United were the better side after the break and the 0-0 draw was a fair result.

UNITED: GALLACHER, McCUNNIE, DUFF, LAUCHLAN, McGOWNE, EASTON, MILLER (LILLEY 88), GRIFFIN, VENETIS (GUNNLAUGSSON 55), McINTYRE (PATERSON 81), THOMPSON SUBS NOT USED: JARVIE, McCRACKEN

REFEREE J UNDERHILL
Attendance 6,375

FOR A DETAILED REPORT ON THE MATCH, CLICK ON THE REPORT BAR ON THE MENU SECTION OF THE HOME PAGE