Inverness CT 0
Dundee Utd 1
League (SPL)

Match Report

Gordon Chisholm made two changes to the United side for their vital relegation crunch match against Inverness in the Highlands. The injured Paul Ritchie was replaced by David McCracken and there was a recall for Derek McInnes coming in for Stuart Duff who had to settle for a place on the bench. Former United hero Craig Brewster listed himself as a substitute for ICT.

Played in front of a large, vocal United support, the visitors kicked off and went straight on the attack. After nine minutes United should have taken the lead. A great ball from McIntyre found Robson again and just as he appeared to be shooting at goal he squared the ball to Mark Kerr who forced a great fingertip save from Brown. On the half hour mark Grant Brebner was booked for appearing to kick out at Ian Black. The home support were furious as they thought the challenge merited a red card. On the stroke of half time United again went close. A Wilson cross from the left found Barry Robson but his shot from 16 yards out went straight at the Caley goalkeeper Mark Brown.

The second half kicked off with no further changes to either side. Jim McIntyre immediately found Mark Wilson on the right but his low deflected cross was gathered by Brown. ICT then had a corner from the right and Craig Brewster almost broke the deadlock but his header went narrowly wide. Ian Black then had a shot for Caley but his effort was well over the top. With ten minutes to go the United fans were rewarded with what they had been waiting for all afternoon. Robson cut in from the right hand side and he was upended in the penalty area by Ross Tokely. Referee Freeland had no hesitation in awarding United a penalty kick. Barry Robson got up himself and drilled his penalty into the net giving Brown no chance. This sparked scenes of joy for the visiting support and in fact there was a mini pitch invasion. At that point the news came in from Almondvale that Dundee had only managed to draw and therefore United knew they were safe.