YOUNGSTERS SHINE AS RESERVES BEAT ‘WELL

Tony Docherty played a side with mostly Under-19 players at Forfar to face an experienced Motherwell outfit. Paul Jarvie was in goal for the side that lined up in a familiar 4-4-2 formation with a back four of Stuart Duff, Garry Kenneth, Ross Gardiner and William Easton. In the midfield, the most experienced player was Stephen O’Donnell who was joined by David Robertson, Steven Bell and Nicky McDonald with Collin Samuel and Andy McLaren up front. United had the better of the first half and, with several good chances created, they should have gone in with a better lead than the 1-0 they had. The goal, with fifteen minutes gone, was well worked firstly by McDonald on the left as he played an excellent pass down the line for Samuel to set up McLaren to score. The team played well in the first period, passing the ball well and defending when necessary. There were three substitutions in the second period, with Stuart Abbot replacing Duff immediately after the break and then Joe Andrew came on shortly after that in place of McLaren with Barry Callaghan replacing McDonald. The second half started at the same high tempo as the first and United seemed to be well in control but Motherwell took advantage when some slack defending allowed them to pull one back from the penalty spot with around an hour played. The visitors were awarded a second spot kick ten minutes later but Jarvie saved well and then the home side rallied to create the winner with about twelve minutes remaining. It was another move down the left and this time Easton did well to get his cross over for Callaghan to score at the back post. Final Score Dundee United 2 Motherwell 1 After the match Tony said, “We are really pleased with the result as we fielded a very young side and they did well against more experienced opposition. We could have been well in front after a comfortable first half and then we suffered two penalties awarded against us. Paul Jarvie saved the second one though and the boys recovered well to the get the winner they deserved near the end.”