MFC 0 DUFC 4

United progressed to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup and a trip to Paisley after a comfortable and professional victory against a very mediocre Montrose team.

The truth is United didn't even need to be particularly good to win by a handsome scoreline. It was a game that was mostly played in midfield and neither side had sustained periods of attacking play with chance after chance. The difference was that United had enough quality to make the breakthroughs and, most importantly, take the chances when they came along.

We got the start we needed with a fortunate break of the ball allowing Safranko to nod home from close range. The game was effectively over as a contest before half time when Booth scored the pick of the goals, the left back cutting in from the left and firing home from 25 yards in off the far post. We had a couple of decent chances between then and the third goal which came in the last 10 minutes, Billy King scoring with his first touch after a rare long ball into the channel for Clark to chase. The last kick of the ball increased the scoreline, new signing Ian Harkes finishing after a cut back by McMullan, which is a perfect start for the American.

In terms of players there was only one standout performer. In among a host of 5 or 6 out of 10 performers, the third debut of United favourite Jimmy Gomis was terrific and he was easily a 9 out of 10 performer. I know it was *only* Montrose etc etc but for me he displayed everything that our midfield has lacked all season. He made countless interceptions, mopped up every second ball, moved it on quickly with forward passes and perhaps most importantly wasn't afraid to put his foot in and try to make tackles. He dictated the game and was easily the star man.

It gives the manager something to think about ahead of the big game on Friday at Ayr. Leaving aside the honest mens recent struggles - especially in the cup which was a shocker - this is a tough game that we need to win if we have promotion ambitions. The midfield hasn't been right all season and we were overrun in the last game against them when they hammered us. Gomis has to start imo, and I struggle to see a place for Fyvie. It's a big call to leave out the captain but he's not fit and he can't run the length of himself so he can't play.

I also called the decision to move Stanton out to the left hand side during the game as he made his subs - I can see him featuring in that position regularly as the season goes on as he clearly doesn't fancy Aird or King. If we get a right back in - and rumour has it we'll get the Ayr right back after the match on Friday - and I can see him going for a midfield diamond with Gomis, Stanton, Harkes and Cammy Smith.

A final point is that once again United fans travelled in numbers for the Scottish Cup, as we always do. In a crowd of 3,500 I'd suggest that just over 2,000 of that were United fans. It's always interesting to contrast that with attendances elsewhere I noted the crowd at Dens was just over 2,000.

Mon the Terrors