Dundee Utd1–0Ross County

Following the heavy defeat at Celtic Park last Sunday, Mixu Paatelainen made three changes to United’s starting eleven for the visit of Ross County. The big surprise came with Michal Szromnik replacing Luis Zwick in goal. Blair Spittal returned after suspension and there was also a place for Adam Taggart. Charlie Telfer and Darko Bodul were the two players who made way. After progressing to the League Cup semi final in midweek, Jim McIntyre fielded a strong side for the visitors that included former United man, Michael Gardyne.

With only two minutes on the clock United had the ball in the net but the linesman had adjudged Adam Taggart to be in an offside position. Six minutes later Rankin and Dillon combined to set up Fraser but the ball got caught in the feet of the youngster and the ball was cleared. County then made their first chance but McGowan was alert and managed to block an effort from Boyce. The hosts were looking the brighter of the two sides and with ten minutes gone Rankin tested Gary Woods but the keeper saved low to his left. United were looking threatening and twice went close when firstly Mckay set up Spittal who couldn’t get his shot on target and then shortly after Fraser did well on the left and he drove the ball into the six yard box but there were no takers for the Tangerines. United then went close again when Taggart crossed to Spittal who saw his header deflect off Foster and go out for a corner. With twenty minutes on the clock Gardyne picked up the ball on the right and he floated in a cross that almost found the target. Midway through the half United produced a flowing move that involved Kuhl and Taggart with the latter flicking the ball to Fraser who unfortunately lost control with only the keeper to beat. Minutes later the home crowd were screaming for a penalty when a left foot shot from Mckay appeared to strike the arm of Foster but the referee waved play on. The visitors then had the ball in the United net but Dingwall was deemed to be offiside and the score remained goalless. Ten minutes before the break Taggart latched on to a Rankin pass and the Aussie was unlucky when Woods tipped his shot round the post. Shortly after Fraser swung in a free kick and with players challenging for the ball it deflected and Woods made a great save to deny United. The final piece of action of the half came when Dingwall dispossessed Souttar who then made a long run and shot that produced a fantastic save from Szromnik.

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