DUFC

LATE GOAL DEFEATS UNDER-21s

1st March 2004

United lined up for this evening's Under-21 league match in a 4-4-2 formation with Paul Jarvie in goal behind a back four of Stuart Abbot, Steven Anderson, Ross Gardiner and Shaun Molloy. The midfield line consisted of the experienced Craig Easton, Stuart Duff and Billy Dodds along with Kenny Jarvis, whilst up front Collin Samuel partnered fellow Trinidadian Jason Scotland.

In the early stages of the match, it was fairly evenly balanced with both sides having chances. For United, Kenny Jarvis fired in a shot that McGregor just held and for the visitors, Namouchi hit the post after bursting through. Rangers began to look the more likely side and in twenty-eight minutes they took the lead when Namouchi's persistence carried him through and he scored from virtually on the goal line. Jarvie then denied Burke twice in the space of a minute and late in the first half Scotland saw his powerful shot only parried and the keeper gathered at the second attempt.

United had more possession in the second period and it was no surprise when they drew level on seventy-seven minutes. After a period of pressure on the Rangers goal, Easton netted at the second attempt after substitute Kenneth had got his head to a Conway throw. United went all out near the end and Dodds was unlucky when his header was saved point blank and then from the rebound, Kenneth had his header cleared off the line. Rangers then burst upfield and Fetai notched the winner with five minutes left.

United matched Rangers in all departments tonight and were unlucky to lose to the late goal after playing so well, particularly in the second half. After the match, Owen Coyle was obviously disappointed. "After we got to one each, I thought there was only one team that was going to win tonight at that was United. We lost to a late sucker punch but we take a lot from the game with the performances from some of the younger players who are all learning a lot and going from strength to strength. And again there was a great attitude from the experienced lads. Such is the standard we have set here that we feel we should be able to beat a team like Rangers. We are striving to win these games and on tonight's performance I think we are definitely getting there.