Airdrie Utd 0
Dundee Utd 2
League Cup (3rd Round)

Match Report

United entered the League Cup at the third round stage, a round later than most other SPL teams due to the Terrors’ involvement in the Europa League. United were drawn away to Airdrie in a midweek clash and Peter Houston made two changes to his line-up from the 3-1 victory over Inverness at the weekend. Keith Watson and Scott Robertson dropped out of the squad altogether with Barry Douglas and Stuart Armstrong coming into the starting 11. Jon Daly – who had made an impressive return from injury at the weekend, scoring with his first touch on as a substitute – started the match on the bench once again.

Dundee United opened the scoring against their Airdrie counterparts in the 11th minute: a brilliant run through centre of the pitch from Stuart Armstrong culminated in the young midfielder firing a low shot at goal. Paul McKane made a mess of his save, spilling the ball into the path of Ryan Dow who took it around the goalkeeper before slotting calmly into the empty net. Being the SPL side, it was no surprise that the Terrors dominated the opening exchanges with McKane being called into action on a number of occasions to prevent Peter Houston’s men extending their lead. Airdrie did however have a few chances in the first half: Ryan Donnelly squandered an excellent chance for the Diamonds in the 22nd minute: rounding Dusan Pernis after being played through on goal but the young striker could only fire into the side-netting from a tight angle. The home side went close again as Airdrie started coming more into the game: Garry Kenneth sliced a clearance which fell perfectly for John Boyle but his shot across Dusan Pernis’ goal went wide of the post.

After the break United continued to dominate proceedings but the young Airdrie side remained lively. In the 65th minute, Willo Flood played in a cross from the right which was met on the volley by Lauri Dalla Valle but McKane did well to block his powerful effort from 8 yards out. In the 76th minute United did find the second goal which ended any possibility of an upset: Paul Dixon swung in a cross from out wide on the left to the back post where substitute Jon Daly met the ball first time on the half volley and buried it into the back of the net. Full time, 2-0 to United and after the match Peter Houston had this to say about his team’s performance: "Our attitude was spot-on, I thought we worked very hard and we had to work hard. I give all the credit to Airdrie. I thought they were excellent and I was always worried about them getting an equaliser so I was delighted to see the second one go in.” United were drawn against Falkirk at Tannadice in the next round.