First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
Boss Craig Levein maintained a one hundred percent record after a stunning second half strike by Noel Hunt secured a deserved three points for the Tangerines. The result also lifted the side above Motherwell in the league and stretched the gap over bottom placed Dunfermline to five points.
Noel Hunt was a starter after missing the win over Rangers through suspension, with Collin Samuel dropping onto the bench. Also granted a starting berth was Stuart Duff, who replaced Greg Cameron. For the most part it was a nervy first half, with neither side able to develop any kind of fluency. As a result chances were extremely limited, with United's best hope of an opening appearing most likely to come through lone striker Hunt. The Irishman did have a couple of half chances midway through the half, firstly a hooked effort which narrowly missed the top left corner, then he pounced on a Barry Robson lay off but visiting keeper Graeme Smith was able to gather his low shot comfortably. Later in the half Lee Mair was booked for a succession of fouls on Killie striker Steven Naismith. From one of these free kicks the Ayrshire men almost took the lead, however Derek Stillie made a fantastic save to deny Frazer Wright.
The second half was a far more entertaining affair for the home fans, as United started to dominate proceedings. The introduction of Samuel for Craig Conway shortly into the half was to prove pivotal, as it was his direct running at the Killie defence which eventually led to the all important goal in the seventy first minute. Not for the first time, the Trinidadian left Gary Hay in his tracks as he burst down the right flank before whipping in a lethal early cross. Hunt met the delivery perfectly and struck a wonderful right foot half volley high into the net with goalkeeper Smith left helpless. United had defended comfortably all afternoon, and there was to be no real scare for the rest of the match. In truth, the home side could have increased their lead further had a late Robson drive not narrowly missed the left post.
Summary:
A vastly improved second half secured a massive three points for the second home game in succession for the Tangerines. The second half introduction of Samuel was a major factor in what was thoroughly deserved victory, however another consistent performance from the rearguard was equally as important. It was also fitting that Hunt was the match winner, as his determination ensured a nervy afternoon for the visiting defence.
Man of the Match: Noel Hunt. He scored a goal fit to win any game and it was just reward for a determined and energetic display. His late withdrawal due to injury was testament to his willingness to put himself where it hurts for the good of the team.
Dundee United: Stillie, Mair, Kenneth, McCracken, Kalvenes, Kerr, Conway (Samuel 54), Duff, Robson, Hunt (Goodwillie 79), Robertson. Subs Not Used: McLean, Archibald, Cameron, Burnett, Smith.
Kilmarnock: Smith, Grant Murray, Greer, Frazer Wright, Hay, Invincibile (Stephen Murray 76), Fowler, Dodds (Ford 70), Leven (Di Giacomo 73), Nish, Naismith. Subs Not Used: Combe, Lilley, O'Leary, Adams.
Attendance: 5,815
Referee: W Collum.
Click here for the full report by Ally Stewart.
Noel Hunt was a starter after missing the win over Rangers through suspension, with Collin Samuel dropping onto the bench. Also granted a starting berth was Stuart Duff, who replaced Greg Cameron. For the most part it was a nervy first half, with neither side able to develop any kind of fluency. As a result chances were extremely limited, with United's best hope of an opening appearing most likely to come through lone striker Hunt. The Irishman did have a couple of half chances midway through the half, firstly a hooked effort which narrowly missed the top left corner, then he pounced on a Barry Robson lay off but visiting keeper Graeme Smith was able to gather his low shot comfortably. Later in the half Lee Mair was booked for a succession of fouls on Killie striker Steven Naismith. From one of these free kicks the Ayrshire men almost took the lead, however Derek Stillie made a fantastic save to deny Frazer Wright.
The second half was a far more entertaining affair for the home fans, as United started to dominate proceedings. The introduction of Samuel for Craig Conway shortly into the half was to prove pivotal, as it was his direct running at the Killie defence which eventually led to the all important goal in the seventy first minute. Not for the first time, the Trinidadian left Gary Hay in his tracks as he burst down the right flank before whipping in a lethal early cross. Hunt met the delivery perfectly and struck a wonderful right foot half volley high into the net with goalkeeper Smith left helpless. United had defended comfortably all afternoon, and there was to be no real scare for the rest of the match. In truth, the home side could have increased their lead further had a late Robson drive not narrowly missed the left post.
Summary:
A vastly improved second half secured a massive three points for the second home game in succession for the Tangerines. The second half introduction of Samuel was a major factor in what was thoroughly deserved victory, however another consistent performance from the rearguard was equally as important. It was also fitting that Hunt was the match winner, as his determination ensured a nervy afternoon for the visiting defence.
Man of the Match: Noel Hunt. He scored a goal fit to win any game and it was just reward for a determined and energetic display. His late withdrawal due to injury was testament to his willingness to put himself where it hurts for the good of the team.
Dundee United: Stillie, Mair, Kenneth, McCracken, Kalvenes, Kerr, Conway (Samuel 54), Duff, Robson, Hunt (Goodwillie 79), Robertson. Subs Not Used: McLean, Archibald, Cameron, Burnett, Smith.
Kilmarnock: Smith, Grant Murray, Greer, Frazer Wright, Hay, Invincibile (Stephen Murray 76), Fowler, Dodds (Ford 70), Leven (Di Giacomo 73), Nish, Naismith. Subs Not Used: Combe, Lilley, O'Leary, Adams.
Attendance: 5,815
Referee: W Collum.
Click here for the full report by Ally Stewart.
