Dundee 0
Dundee Utd 0
Scottish Cup (3rd Round)

Match Report

The only winner in this Cup tie was the wind as we failed to over-come Dundee at the fourth attempt this season. Whereas we could lay legitimate claim to victory in the other three meetings, on this occasion Dundee held the upper hand. They served notice of intent right from the first minute when Dodds fired in a wind-assisted shot with Alan Main making light of an awkwardly bouncing ball. Alan was next put to the test when a McSkimming free-kick bounced in front of John Clark and the 'keeper had to react quickly to avert a disaster as John headed the ball back to him. Facing the blustery wind our early efforts on goal were limited to long range shots. Alan Main again twice came to our rescue. First he held a looping back-header from Maurice Malpas and then rushed from his charge to clear from Dodds. Dundee then squandered a chance when Keith Wright headed past from a good position. Then Alan Main brilliantly held a scorching drive by Craig from 25 yards out. Our closest shave of the half came when Alan Main, under pressure from Gordon Chisholm failed to hold a cross and Dodds' snap shot was a certain scorer until Jim McInally popped up to head the rising shot up and over the bar. Four minutes before half-time Kevin Gallacher created our best opening of the half, but shot weakly at Carson.

Going into the second half with the wind at our backs it was our turn to dominate, though we failed to do so to the same extent as Dundee did. Maurice Malpas and John Clark both had long range shots, whilst Dundee replied through Craib who lofted a drive over the bar. Our best scoring chance came right at the end of the game when a quick John Clark free-kick found Jim McInally in space and his far post cross was met by Mixu Paatelainen but Carson managed to block his header. So it is back to Tannadice for tonight's replay, the only difference this time being that the tie will be decided this evening.