Dundee Utd0–1Partick Th

It was a fairly low-key start to proceedings, both sides in the early stages struggling to zip the ball about with any real intensity, in doing so, failing to create any real clear-cut opportunities at goal. The first real opportunity at goal for either side didn’t come until around the 25th minute mark, Blair Spittal pealing off the Thistle defence before blasting high a volley from an awkward position. Other than Spittal’s solo effort, chances were few and far between, however, both Gavin Gunning and Charlie Telfer should have perhaps done better from their respective free-kick efforts.

Coming out after the interval United started the brighter of the two sides, Paul Dixon’s thunderous left footed strike from 25 yards forcing Thistle keeper Cerny into a terrific diving save, but the United left wing-back could only fire an effort high into the Eddie Thompson Stand when the rebound fell to him. Despite Thistle rarely threatening what looked to be a fairly solid United defence, it was the visitors who took the lead with their first effort on target, Kris Doolan brilliantly twisting inside the box before coolly slotting his strike into the back of the net. Just minutes after the Jags’ opener they were the woodwork away from doubling their lead, this time Stevie Lawless jinking past the United defence before scuffing an effort off John Souttar, away from Szromnik and off the outside of the post. Thereafter however, United really began piling on the pressure, Blair Spittal’s deflected strike from outside the box deceiving Cerny but just evading an empty Thistle goal. On the 60 minute mark, United were handed the perfect opportunity to draw level when Liam Lindsay gave the ball away to Charlie Telfer on the edge of the box. Substitute Telfer then slipped in Rankin, however, the midfielder’s low shot flew despairingly wide of the post. With the clock running down and Thistle looking likely to come away with the three points, United had a huge penalty shout turned down by referee Steven MacLean when Callum Morris’s volley, without doubt, had slapped the wrist of the fortunate Liam Lindsay. Although United really piled bodies forward in the final few minutes, Thistle remained defensively strong and held on for some very valuable three points.

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

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