First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
A goal by David Goodwillie midway through the second half was enough to earn a mix of youth and reserve players passage to the second round of the Forfarshire Cup at a sun drenched Tannadice.
Goalkeeping coach Scott Thomson's return from retirement was limited to a place on the bench as Euan McLean was given leave of absence from the Scotland under 21's.
The back four consisted of youth players Fraser Milligan, Paul McGrath, Gordon Pope and first teamer Stuart Duff at left-back.
In midfield Johnny Russell played wide right with Steven Robb getting further match practice wide left. Mark Kerr partnered Ryan McCord in central mid-field. Up front Jon Daly partnered David Goodwillie.
In a sprightly start Russell had a shot saved after only three minutes and Daly didn't take long to make his presence felt when he headed down to Ryan McCord who drilled just over from the edge of the box. Daly again was in evidence after eleven minutes heading just over.
In that brisk start to the game Peter MacDonald saw his shot on the turn deflected just over in Saints' best chance so far.
Ten minutes before half time we had the closest to the opening goal. Again Daly was involved heading the ball down to David Goodwillie who steered a shot towards the empty net but Kevin Rutkiewicz cleared his net bound effort of the line.
Early in the second half, United had another good scoring opportunity when visiting keeper Kevin Cuthbert failed to cut out a cross that landed at the feet of Goodwillie, but he dallied and the chance was lost. The goal when it arrived was a scrambled effort midway through the second half with Goodwillie firing home after Saints prostrate defender Steven Kerr had blocked Ryan McCord's first shot. Just prior to that McDonald had threatened with an overhead kick but it was straight into the arms of Euan McLean. McDonald also squandered another chance but dragged his shot wide of the target. In fact it was McDonald again who almost cancelled out United's lead with nineteen minutes left when he failed to direct his header on goal despite being completely unmarked. Before the end Goodwillie twice went close. First Cuthbert dived at his feet to deny him and two minutes later latching on to Mark Kerr's through pass he fired weakly over.
With six minutes to go the outcome should really have been put beyond all doubt when Daly was on the end of a Robb cross that he knocked inches over the bar.
Summary - Having had more clear-cut chances United deserved their win with the added bonus of Jon Daly and Steven Robb completing the full ninety minutes.
Team: McLean, Milligan, Duff, Ryan McCord, McGrath, Pope, Russell (Dow 83), Kerr, Daly, Goodwillie, Robb. Subs not used: Thomson Ross McCord, Fleming, Paterson.
Goalkeeping coach Scott Thomson's return from retirement was limited to a place on the bench as Euan McLean was given leave of absence from the Scotland under 21's.
The back four consisted of youth players Fraser Milligan, Paul McGrath, Gordon Pope and first teamer Stuart Duff at left-back.
In midfield Johnny Russell played wide right with Steven Robb getting further match practice wide left. Mark Kerr partnered Ryan McCord in central mid-field. Up front Jon Daly partnered David Goodwillie.
In a sprightly start Russell had a shot saved after only three minutes and Daly didn't take long to make his presence felt when he headed down to Ryan McCord who drilled just over from the edge of the box. Daly again was in evidence after eleven minutes heading just over.
In that brisk start to the game Peter MacDonald saw his shot on the turn deflected just over in Saints' best chance so far.
Ten minutes before half time we had the closest to the opening goal. Again Daly was involved heading the ball down to David Goodwillie who steered a shot towards the empty net but Kevin Rutkiewicz cleared his net bound effort of the line.
Early in the second half, United had another good scoring opportunity when visiting keeper Kevin Cuthbert failed to cut out a cross that landed at the feet of Goodwillie, but he dallied and the chance was lost. The goal when it arrived was a scrambled effort midway through the second half with Goodwillie firing home after Saints prostrate defender Steven Kerr had blocked Ryan McCord's first shot. Just prior to that McDonald had threatened with an overhead kick but it was straight into the arms of Euan McLean. McDonald also squandered another chance but dragged his shot wide of the target. In fact it was McDonald again who almost cancelled out United's lead with nineteen minutes left when he failed to direct his header on goal despite being completely unmarked. Before the end Goodwillie twice went close. First Cuthbert dived at his feet to deny him and two minutes later latching on to Mark Kerr's through pass he fired weakly over.
With six minutes to go the outcome should really have been put beyond all doubt when Daly was on the end of a Robb cross that he knocked inches over the bar.
Summary - Having had more clear-cut chances United deserved their win with the added bonus of Jon Daly and Steven Robb completing the full ninety minutes.
Team: McLean, Milligan, Duff, Ryan McCord, McGrath, Pope, Russell (Dow 83), Kerr, Daly, Goodwillie, Robb. Subs not used: Thomson Ross McCord, Fleming, Paterson.
