Inverness CT 1
Dundee Utd 1
League (Premiership)

Match Report

United boss Jackie McNamara was forced into just one change ahead of this Highland encounter with Inverness. Man of the match from last week, Stuart Armstrong, dropped out from the squad due to concerns over a hamstring niggle. Ryan Gauld was his replacement in the front four.

United looked comfortable in the opening minutes, camped inside the Inverness half. However, with their first attacking move of the match Caley were to capitalise. A deep cross from Shinnie found Ryan Christie in space at the back post. The youngster was able to pick his spot with a header back across Cierzniak and into the bottom corner of the net. Caley were looking dangerous on the counter attack and Gunning was forced into a last gasp tackle to prevent the runaway McKay from pulling the trigger as he entered the six yard box. It was a full twenty minutes before United created an opening and it was Nadir Ciftci who got the chance. The striker ran onto a long through ball but struck his shot straight at 'keeper Brill. United only had to wait a further thirty seconds for their next opportunity. Much like the first, Dow found himself one-on-one with Brill but was unable to squeeze the ball beyond him.

United made one change at half-time with Brian Graham replacing Gary Mackay-Steven. Graham took the central striker role and Ciftci dropped back into the supporting three. The substitute himself had a great chance to get United level eight minutes into the second half but failed to beat Brill with the goal gaping. A second substitution was made by United in the sixty fifth minute and it turned out to be an inspired one. El Alagui replaced Gauld and was to draw his side level within minutes of taking the field. A game of head tennis in the Caley box ended with the ball at the feet of Jimmy Coyle who buried a scissor kick into the top corner of the net. United were by far the better team in the second half. They dominated the proceedings having moved to a more robust and direct style of play but were unable to get the crucial winning goal before referee Colvin called time.

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