First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
The side lined up as follows in a 4-4-2 formation - McLean, Proctor, Kenneth, Archibald, Kalvenes, Andreoni, Burnett, Robertson, Easton, Conway, Goodwillie. Opening brightly with a very strong wind at their back, Tony Docherty's side hemmed Aberdeen back from the start, so it was no surprise when United went ahead after fourteen minutes. David Robertson started and finished the move. He flighted a cross out to the right from where Marco Andreoni's head flick found Craig Conway and, when his cross came over, Robertson was left with the simple task of heading into an empty net from close range.
Unfortunately, United failed to press home their advantage in possession, creating very little, but at the same time never in any danger at the other end. However, two brilliant goals just before the break ensured that the three points were Tannadice-bound. Three minutes of the first half remained when David Goodwillie ran on to Garry Kenneth's long header out of defence and his measured chip from just outside the box beat the advancing Greg Kelly.
A minute later and Robertson first time right-foot shot flashed just inside the post after having played a one-two with Goodwillie. Now having wind advantage, the visitors began to threat for the first time and squandered a golden opportunity on the hour mark.
David Robertson was adjudged to have brought down Chris Maguire just inside the box and the Dons striker got up to take the penalty, but Euan McLean, at full stretch, got his hand to his kick and although the ball ran loose, it was eventually scrambled to safety.
Five minutes later, Maguire did hit the back of the net after latching on to a punt down field from his keeper to lob the ball over McLean. Fifteen minutes from time a fourth United gaol killed the off any rival hopes the visitors may have had. Davie Goodwillie was bearing in on goal when Danny Smith held him back, though he still managed to get a shot in. However, the ref called play back, sent off Smith for denying a goalscoring opportunity, and justice was done by Willie Easton cleverly curling in the resultant free-kick from 22-yards.
Before the end, David Goodwillie twice had opportunities to increase that lead, having one netbound effort blocked on then line by a defender and forcing a fine save by the keeper.
Unfortunately, United failed to press home their advantage in possession, creating very little, but at the same time never in any danger at the other end. However, two brilliant goals just before the break ensured that the three points were Tannadice-bound. Three minutes of the first half remained when David Goodwillie ran on to Garry Kenneth's long header out of defence and his measured chip from just outside the box beat the advancing Greg Kelly.
A minute later and Robertson first time right-foot shot flashed just inside the post after having played a one-two with Goodwillie. Now having wind advantage, the visitors began to threat for the first time and squandered a golden opportunity on the hour mark.
David Robertson was adjudged to have brought down Chris Maguire just inside the box and the Dons striker got up to take the penalty, but Euan McLean, at full stretch, got his hand to his kick and although the ball ran loose, it was eventually scrambled to safety.
Five minutes later, Maguire did hit the back of the net after latching on to a punt down field from his keeper to lob the ball over McLean. Fifteen minutes from time a fourth United gaol killed the off any rival hopes the visitors may have had. Davie Goodwillie was bearing in on goal when Danny Smith held him back, though he still managed to get a shot in. However, the ref called play back, sent off Smith for denying a goalscoring opportunity, and justice was done by Willie Easton cleverly curling in the resultant free-kick from 22-yards.
Before the end, David Goodwillie twice had opportunities to increase that lead, having one netbound effort blocked on then line by a defender and forcing a fine save by the keeper.
