St Johnstone 2
Dundee Utd 1
League (Premiership)

Match Report

Jackie McNamara named the same starting eleven from the Celtic game for the Tayside derby against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. Mackay-Steven and Connolly did return for the visitors, both listed as substitutes. After a four month injury absence, Steven McLean replaced on loan United forward Brian Graham.

United fans filled the stands behind each goal and were in good voice as the teams kicked off this match in frosty conditions. United started brightly and John Rankin came close when he engineered space at the edge of the area but he dragged his shot wide. Saints then went close when Croft fired in a shot from distance that forced Cierzniak to tip over. With thirty minutes played, Mackay sent a low ball into the box but, with MacLean lurking, Morris made a timely interception. As the game reached half-time, United struck. Spittal and Armstrong combined to find Calum Butcher who raced onto the ball and slid it back across the body of Mannus and into the net.

With six minutes of the second half gone, Armstrong cut in and tested Mannus with a great effort but the ball was cleared. Minutes later a shot from MacKay forced Cierzniak to save. Just before the hour mark Spittal and Erskine exchanged passes with the latter finding Armstrong who shot into the side netting when there were players free in the box. The game should have been dead and buried when Ciftci swung a cross in from the right but Spittal headed wide with the goal at his mercy. With fifteen minutes left, the game turned. A clearance appeared to be blocked by the arm of MacKay but the play was waved on. Croft took advantage and his cross picked out Michael O'Halloran who headed down and the ball landed in the back of the net. With five minutes remaining the home side snatched the points. Chris Millar gathered the ball at the edge of the box and waltzed across the box before stepping inside Ranking and shooting past the Cierzniak.

Manager's Comment:
“My overriding emotions are anger, disappointment and frustration. We were comfortable in the game and had chances to kill it off but didn't. We should have been able to see it out but lost two very poor goals from my point of view."

Fan's Comment:
“Another huge disappointment for the large travelling army of Arabs. Every time this season we have put ourselves into a position to challenge top spot we have flopped. To be fair we looked in control of this match right up until the 75th minute. Had Spittal found the net with his close range header it may have been a different outcome. 'Thin lines' as our Manager tell's us. Still puzzled as to why Morris was forced to play over 45 minutes when he was clearly injured and limping badly. Thankfully in the festive period there is isn't long to wait before another game comes along to get us back on track.”

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