First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
United's tremendous unbeaten eleven game home run came to a halt this afternoon versus visitors Hearts, the same opposition against which the great run began last November.
In a match that was in many ways frustrating for United, Hearts got off to a flying start with a fourth minute opener from de Vries. The Tangerines' frustration then began as they could not get back on level terms despite dominating the remainder of the first half. With a goal chopped off for offside, a very strong penalty claim denied and a disappointing miss in front of goal, the feeling at half time among some fans might have been that this was going to be, following two great comebacks in recent weeks at Tannadice, one comeback too many. And so it proved.
The first half dominance by the Tangerines over the Maroons disappeared in a second half when Hearts changed their tactics and did not allow Ian McCall's men to get into any rhythm of play. In fact, the Tynecastle side took the match to United from the start of the second period.
Hearts killed the game off midway through the second half with a goal from Andy Webster. United never really looked like getting back into the match after this and so a run of seven wins and four draws from eleven SPL matches, that has taken the Tangerines into the top six, came to an end.
United face Motherwell next Saturday at Fir Park where a win would take the Tangerines above their hosts and into fifth position. With three matches remaining including a trip to Parkhead to play Champions Celtic, the Tangerines' chances of catching fourth placed Dunfermline, who have a game in hand, are looking a bit slimmer this evening but it is certainly still possible as five points separate the sides with United having nine points still to play for.
UNITED: GALLACHER, ARCHIBALD, KERR, SAMUEL, ROBSON, DODDS
In a match that was in many ways frustrating for United, Hearts got off to a flying start with a fourth minute opener from de Vries. The Tangerines' frustration then began as they could not get back on level terms despite dominating the remainder of the first half. With a goal chopped off for offside, a very strong penalty claim denied and a disappointing miss in front of goal, the feeling at half time among some fans might have been that this was going to be, following two great comebacks in recent weeks at Tannadice, one comeback too many. And so it proved.
The first half dominance by the Tangerines over the Maroons disappeared in a second half when Hearts changed their tactics and did not allow Ian McCall's men to get into any rhythm of play. In fact, the Tynecastle side took the match to United from the start of the second period.
Hearts killed the game off midway through the second half with a goal from Andy Webster. United never really looked like getting back into the match after this and so a run of seven wins and four draws from eleven SPL matches, that has taken the Tangerines into the top six, came to an end.
United face Motherwell next Saturday at Fir Park where a win would take the Tangerines above their hosts and into fifth position. With three matches remaining including a trip to Parkhead to play Champions Celtic, the Tangerines' chances of catching fourth placed Dunfermline, who have a game in hand, are looking a bit slimmer this evening but it is certainly still possible as five points separate the sides with United having nine points still to play for.
UNITED: GALLACHER, ARCHIBALD, KERR, SAMUEL, ROBSON, DODDS
