Partick Th 0
Dundee Utd 0
League (SPL)

Match Report

New signing Arnar Gunlaughsson took a place on the bench for the opening league game of the season against newly promoted Partick Thistle. Alex Smith opted for just one striker up top in the shape of Steven Thompson, with Charlie Miller just behind.

Making for a lively start, a Danny Griffin free-kick was first to test Kevin Budinauckas in goal for the Firhill men, forcing a block. Craig Easton fired a wild shot over the bar moments later before good defending from Jamie McCunnie at the other end thwarted a Partick counter. Paul Gallacher was eventually called into action on the quarter hour, pulling off a fabulous save from Scott McLean and on the 20 minute mark, Jim McIntyre headed wide from a McCunnie cross. United's best chance came after half an hour's play as Budinauckas palmed a Craig Easton free kick into the path of McIntyre, who hit a chipped shot goalward. Scott Paterson though, for Partick, was alive to the effort and cleared it off the line. Griffin offered the final test of the first half, forcing Budinauckas to make another save.

Budinauckas continued his busy afternoon, pulling off another great save five minutes from the restart when a pinpoint Griffin pass released Tassos Venetis to run in on goal and release a shot at the Partick stopper. As United pushed forward, defensive lapses allowed the Thistle attack in for a chance after an hour, but Gallacher held the tame effort from Alex Burns. Moments later, Steven Thompson hooked an overhead kick just wide and substitute Gunnlaugsson showed flashes of skill before shooting wide. McIntyre headed wide once again during the final quarter hour, and Thompson followed suit his his own wayward header in what proved to be the final chance of the game.