United moved back to the top of the league on Saturday after capitalising on St Mirren's surprise defeat to Dumbarton by beating high-flying Dunfermline thanks to a Scott Fraser brace.
It was actually an enjoyable game of football with both sides having chances throughout. Indeed the Pars had the better chances in the early part of the game, with Stevenson wasting a couple of really gilt-edged opportunities.
United had been threatening too though and, after McDonald wasted a great chance by trying to take a touch in the box, United won a freekick on the edge of the box and Scott Fraser curled in a superb finish to put the Terrors ahead.
He doubled the lead before half time with a fine right footed strike. He managed to wriggle away from the over-weight number 8 for Dunfermline and capitalised on a Robson throw to lash the ball home from inside the box.
While United played some decent stuff and continued to create chances, you still felt Dunfermline had a goal in them and so it transpired, Robson, nursing an injury (and we'll come to that), was deemed to have brought down the Pars substitute. For me it was a dive but the ref pointed to the spot, and they converted. Dunfermline huffed and puffed but never created any real heart stopping moments afterwards.
I was a wee bit disappointed that we tried to shut up shop so early on Saturday, particularly in holding back both CBs with over 15 minutes to go when we had a set piece. I think we could have had least put one up and it seemed to give the momentum to the Pars. However ultimately we won the match so I can't grumble too much.
I was however unimpressed by the physicality of Dunfermline as the match wore on. The ref seemed to want to let things go and it resulted in some real aggression shown by the away team, none more-so than former United man Cal Morris, who resorted to outright thuggery. He got away with an assault on Robson because of an offside flag then committed another assault not long later. His CB partner was little better, putting the boot in whenever possible.
In terms of United players, Fraser was obviously man of the match - although he should have had a hat-trick, spurning a great chance after showing fantastic footwork to create the opening himself. Robson was also very good for me, while both centre halves, especially Durnan, did well.
A few didn't quite get up to the required standard though. I don't think McDonald had a particularly effective game and his passing seemed a bit off. Stanton was quiet and couldn't impact the game while Flood struggled to get into it. I also didn't feel Lewis in the goal was at his best, he seemed hesitant in both coming off his line and his distribution.
Ultimately though it's a satisfying result and continues our good home form. We need to now transform that to our away form and that's the big challenge for Csaba, and what will determine if we win the league or not.
Mon the Terrors
DUFC 2 DAFC 1
posted on 4/12/17
I think he's a Dumbarton fan mate
posted on 4/12/17
Championship Form Guide
Pts Last 6
Dundee Utd 13
ICT 11
QoS 11
Livingston 10
Morton 9
Dumbarton 9
St.Mirren 8
Dunfermline 6
Falkirk 3
Brechin City 1
Shows that the Buddies are struggling.
posted on 4/12/17
Ok I looked at it. Looks soft
However going by justification on here to the red card at Pittodrie it can't be a red card as it was his elbow into a face (different body parts) and was not deliberate
Just biased officiating
posted on 4/12/17
comment by IvanGolacIsMagic 🐍 (U5291)
posted 1 minute ago
I think he's a Dumbarton fan mate
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All the same
posted on 4/12/17
Oooft that’s a forearm smash if ever I’ve saw one
stonewall yellow
posted on 4/12/17
That's more like it Ivan - 527 words.
Amazing what a win can do
posted on 4/12/17
Another cracking win. Can I start with a grumble though...? It’s a(nother) match where we should have really been putting the pressure on to ramp up the goal difference. It’s tight at the top and our GD isn’t great - like you, Ivan, I was frustrated that the team looked like they were trying to see out the win at 2-0 instead of going for the killer third. Anyway, it’s just a small grumble. All in all I enjoyed the match - I thought Robson looked as good as I’ve seen him to be honest. Fraser really looked the part attacking wise, although he really isn’t who you want on the pitch when you’re trying to see out a game though! He had quick feet and some decent passing, took his two goals well and was unlucky not to get his hat trick. Thought Stanton could’ve done better with two back post headers. Hey ho, it’s nice to not be bemoaning points dropped - we won and we’re top of the league!! Wooohoooo!!!
posted on 4/12/17
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I felt Fraser tired badly in the second half. He looked knackered when he came on.
I don't know if there's been any word on Flood after his shoulder injury? Looked a sore one.
posted on 4/12/17
Oh aye, I thought for a minute that he might have dislocated it! Know what’s good though, suddenly nobody is hiding from the ball - nobody is scared to take a pass, even people having an off day. Good seeing Fyvie taking control of matches. I really enjoyed it!
posted on 5/12/17
Actually according to the Courier he has dislocated it and will be out until the New Year.