Ross County 2
Dundee Utd 1
League (Premiership)

Match Report

Although still early in the season, there was a real sense of significance around this match at the Global Energy Stadium. While United had picked up just four points in their opening five games, their hosts' arrived in fine form, having already won two games in the last week. Manager Jackie McNamara made three changes with new signing Billy McKay starting and both Rankin and Dow coming into the side. County were unchanged from their last league match.

Both sides looked well matched in the opening stages of this match with few clear-cut chances created. The game burst to life in the 17th minute when a deep cross into the box was handled by Mark Durnan. The United defender claimed his opponent pushed him towards the ball, but Craig Thomson pointed to the spot. Liam Boyce stepped up and slammed the ball low into the net. United looked rattled after that goal went in and were being put under significant pressure from County who were cavalier in pushing their wide men forward. Although second best for large periods of the first half, United did create the two best chances. Ryan Dow twice got through one on one with ‘keeper Fox, but in both instances the County number one saved the day. Defending was at fault when the Dingwall side doubled their lead. Just prior to the goal, Ryan McGowan had made a goal-line clearance to deny Franks but from the resulting corner Andrew Davies ran free of his marker to fire home.

United started the second half with more attacking impetus. Having been second best across the park in the first half, there was more fight about the side in the second period. With the team pressing high up the park, United looked most likely to score. However, County were defending in numbers and in most cases crowding out any United attacks. Shooting towards the travelling Arabs, United were forced into long range efforts, none of which were troubling Scott Fox in the County goal. However, that was soon to change when Seán Dillon stepped onto a pass 35 yards out from goal. The United skipper took a couple of steps before lashing a swerving shot beyond Fox and into the top corner. With Donaldson, Bodul and Fraser all introduced, United hemmed County back but struggled to create any clear openings. Spittal did come close when he struck the cross bar with a curling free-kick from 25 yards but the equaliser was not forthcoming.

Manager's Comment:
“We look at what has happened here over the last two and half years and not just more recently. It was disappointing not to get anything from the game but I believe that we are close to getting it right. I was delighted with Billy McKay as he showed for some great runs and held the ball up well for us as well. He's going to be a really good player for us as he showed real awareness in the way he put Ryan Dow clear a couple of times."

Fan's Comment:
“United were overrun in the first half and a combination of bad defending and a questionable refereeing decision culminated in seeing us two down at half time. The team had a lot more fight in the second half back lacked the skill and pace to cut open County. McKay was excellent on his debut but needs more support up front.”

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Captain: Seán Dillon
Arab Archive 'Man of the Match': Ryan Dow

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