Inverness CT 1
Dundee Utd 1
League (Premiership)

Match Report

Jackie McNamara resisted the temptation to give a starting slot to loan signing Farid El Alagui but did make three changes with Watson, Erskine and Graham replacing Wilson, Gauld and Ciftci. John Hughes made two changes, with Raven and Polworth coming into the side.

With just 5 minutes played, it was Inverness that capitalised on their first attack of the match. A deep corner was headed back goal-ward by Warren and Caley top scorer, Billy McKay, found space to swivel and slide the ball past the advancing Cierzniak. Just a few minutes later Brill was helpless to prevent a United equaliser. A corner from Mackay-Steven was met perfectly by Keith Watson who bulleted his header high into the corner of the net for his second goal at the Caledonian Stadium this season. Midway through the first half, United almost completed the turn-around. Rankin picked up a loose ball on the edge of the Inverness penalty area, but his fierce drive was blocked. The ball fell kindly for Graham but under pressure, his rushed effort bounced back off the post. United were in command of possession in the first half, but Inverness always looked dangerous. In the 39th minute one such counter almost led to a second goal. Doran galloped down the right side before floating a deep cross that McKay met with a powerful header. Cierzniak was forced to make a fantastic save, diving to his top right to turn the ball over.

No sooner had the second half started, United were dealt a cruel blow. Brian Graham looked to fall awkwardly under no pressure and had to be taken off on a stretcher. Graham's misfortune provided the opportunity for El Alagui to come on and make his debut for the club. It was Caley who were first to threaten when Warren crashed a thunderous header just inches wide of the post. Minutes later Inverness almost gifted United the lead but Brill recovered from his own mistake to make a goal line clearance. The game then swung back up the other end and there was controversy when a surging Shinnie run and subsequent Souttar challenge resulted in an Inverness penalty. It looked to be a soft award but justice was done when Cierzniak dived to save the resultant spot kick from Ross. United looked to get a lift from the penalty save and were next to come close. A good run and pass by Mackay-Steven gave Erskine an opportunity for a first time strike from the edge of the penalty area. However, for the second time in this match the post came to the rescue for Caley. The tangerines' had their own penalty claim in the 75th minute. Mackay-Steven burst clear on goal and just as he was about strike, he looked to be pulled back by the chasing defender. The referee opted to award a corner, much to the frustration of the United players. Both sides pushed hard to find the winner, but neither could find the spark of quality required to clinch the game.

Match Photos courtesy of Riki Grauer - More photos available at:
Dundee United Official Flickr Page