UNDER-21s LOSE TO PARTICK

United coach Owen Coyle stuck with the bulk of the side of the last few weeks. First team men Duff, Easton, Dodds and Samuel were included. Thistle field a strong side, containing no fewer than eleven first team players. After a slow start to the game, the visitors took the lead in 9 minutes when Gibson’s right wing cross was tapped in at the back post by Thomson from 5 yards. In twenty minutes, English should have increased Thistle’s lead but hit the side net from close range. Thistle managed to double their lead when Thomson latched onto a loose ball before chipping Jarvie on the turn on 19 minutes. Gibson stretched that lead to 3-0 three minutes later when he nodded home an English cross from close range. Thomson then hit the bar as he searched for his hat-trick, and only a great block by Jarvie in 43 minutes prevented him scoring again. United then pulled a great goal back when Easton and Scotland combined to set up Bell who netted from just inside the box. Half time: United 1 Thistle 3 United started the second period with 16-year-old Kenneth on for Anderson. In 59 minutes, Abbot nearly surprised Arthur when he shot from distance but the keeper touched the ball away for a corner. In 63 minutes, Cadete made it 1-4 when he headed home the rebound from Gibson’s shot. United brought on Conway for Molloy and only a superb save in 78 minutes from Arthur prevented Conway from scoring from 35 yards. Full time: United 1 Thistle 4