Dundee Utd4–0Motherwell

What a sight. On a perfect summer afternoon, four ball boys emerged from the players' tunnel, each with a corner of Dundee United's first ever championship flag. The tangerine and black saltire, paraded across the Tannadice pitch reminding fans, as if they would need it, that this season, United would begin it as defending champions. As the players were officially presented with the league trophy, there were fans who didn't think they would see the day drinking in every second, and those from the new breed, brought up on the success of recent seasons who probably think it will always be like this. With last season's success formally recognised, it was down to the business of opening the league campaign against Motherwell. After such an emotional pe-match high, would the players be able to carry that into the match? Paul Sturrock was the only regular from last season missing from Jim McLean's thirteen, injury keeping him out which gave Alex Taylor the chance to start only his second game for United.

Given this was a team that won the last five games of the season to claim the league title, no one should have been surprised they started this season with the same level of focus and application. United were dominant from kick off. Their movement and pace with the ball was too much for a Motherwell team who were now without their outstanding young talent Brian McClair who had been sold to Celtic in the summer. The first goal arrived in the twentieth minute when Taylor, who had impressed, crossed for Billy Kirkwood to head home. Motherwell managed to hold on until half-time, but in the second half, United would simply not be denied.

With Taylor orchestrating all of United's creative play, the lead was extended in the 49th minute from a familiar source, when skipper Paul Hegarty claimed his first of the season with a trademark header from the youngster's corner. Alex Taylor was clearly revelling in the day's atmosphere, and he claimed his first goal for United with a striker from the edge of the box that evaded the Motherwell 'keeper. The question was how many more United would get, and the answer came four minutes from time, when Billy Kirkwood got his second and the team's fourth with another header, ghosting in between defenders to head home a Ralph Milne flighted cross from the left.

It was a day that will live long in the memory of those present. The result and performance the perfect complement to the unveiling of the league flag. Of more immediate importance to Jim McLean will be the signal this sent to the rest of the league: Dundee United have no intention of giving up their grip on the premier league trophy just yet.