Dundee Utd2–2Dundee

United went into the first Dundee Derby of the season on the back of a good win at Motherwell. Dundee were also high in confidence after a solid start to their season. Rankin returned for United and there was a starting place for Connolly. Dropping out were Erskine and Telfer.

After United had made a bright start with Aidan Connolly in particular looking lively, Dundee went on to make the first real chance when Nick Ross drilled at goal only to be denied by Luis Zwick after the United keeper had originally parried a Paul McGinn shot away. The visitors then held the advantage for the remainder of the half with the Tangerines best chance coming from a Scott Fraser free kick in the 27th minute which was deflected for a corner. The Dark Blues again came close to a goal right on half time when a Greg Stewart half volley was saved well by Zwick before Rory Loy drilled the rebound wide.

Shooting down the hill towards their own fans the hosts were a far greater threat after the break and they went on to open the scoring in the 64thminute. Rankin fed the ball into the feet of Blair Spittal who brilliantly shuffled clear of James McPake before planting a top class finish beyond Bain. The celebrations had barely calmed down when the youngster then doubled his and United’s advantage. This time a delightful ball from sub Chris Erskine took out the whole Dundee defence allowing Blair Spittal to slot into the corner leaving Bain with no chance. Spittal then almost grabbed a hat trick as he forced a good save from Bain following a free kick but the lead was reduced in the 81st minute when Greg Stewart curled in superbly from outside the box to leave the result in doubt again. Spittal again came close with 6 minutes left, this time drilling low past the far post. Deep into injury time Murray broke into the box with a great chance to seal it but agonisingly smashed a shot off the underside of the bar before the ball was cleared. With literally 30 seconds left on the clock Harkins broke forward and struck a long range shot which Zwick spilled at the feet of James McPake who scrambled home the most unlikely of equaliser’s right at the death.

Manager's Comment:
“I though second half we were excellent. We scored two fantastic goals and could have scored a few more. I'm disappointed with a few things leading up to the both goals. I don't think we deserved what happened at the end but Dundee were better in the first half. The youngsters handled the game really well, Spittal especially, he was fantastic.”

Fan's Comment:
“The first half was pretty uneventful, but what a transformation in the second half. It is seldem that I leave a game happy when we have thrown away a 2 goal lead in the last ten minutes. However, there were so many pleasing aspects of the game tonight that have dispelled the doom and gloom surrounding the club over the last 6 months. A great atmosphere, great battling qualities, great passion and great goals. A wonderful game. So much to be optimistic about. Despite only leaving with a point, that was good....really good.”

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Captain: Ryan McGowan
Arab Archive 'Man of the Match': Blair Spittal

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