Montrose0–2Dundee Utd

Alex Smith's United recorded just their fifth win of the season thanks to a Jim Lauchlan double at Links Park in the 3rd Round of the Scottish Cup.

Both sides turned out for the match sitting bottom of their respective divisions, but it was United who started the match as favourites and within eight minutes they had tested Gary McGlynn in the Montrose goal; Charlie Miller firing towards the top corner from eighteen yards to produce a great save from McGlynn. The opener followed moments later when Jim Lauchlan smashed a Hasney Aljofree corner home. United looked set to double their advantage after 17 minutes when a blunder by David Muirhead allowed Derek Lilley to run clear on goal, but McGlynn pounced off his line to block the shot. The goalkeeper came to the rescue again a minute later when he tipped a superb Aljofree volley over the crossbar for a corner. The reprieve was only temporary, however, as United went 2-0 up on 19 minutes. Miller was the provider this time when he sent a cross into the box and Jim Lauchlan fired home his second of the game. For Montrose, Kevin Byers came close with a long-range effort that forced a good save from goalkeeper Paul Gallacher. The Tannadice side were again causing problems for the Montrose defence when a Miller shot smashed into the side netting. Five minutes before the break Montrose had another decent chance. Michael McKenzie's 25-yard shot was powerful enough but just fell wide.

United started the second half determined to add to their tally and came close just three minutes after the restart. Miller's long ball found Lilley in the box but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper. The United striker pounced on the rebound only to be denied once again by McGlynn. Muirhead could have given Montrose fresh hope 15 minutes from time when he tried to lob the United keeper only to see the effort fly over the crossbar. Steven Thompson came off the bench for Dundee United but was left disappointed when he failed to put the ball in an empty net.