First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
A Noel Hunt hat-trick deservedly booked United's place in the CIS Cup Semi Finals but they were made to fight all the way after a spirited second half performance from Hamilton.
Just one change was made to the United line up from the victory against Rangers on Sunday, with Grzegorz Szamotulski returning in place of Euan McLean.
With 8 minutes played a neat pass from Sean Dillon allowed Robson the chance to play a ball into the danger area. Robertson was just beaten to the ball by a Hamilton defender however the ball broke kindly for Morgaro Gomis 20 yards out and the midfielder was unlucky to see a curling left foot shot rattle the underside of the bar and bounce away to safety. Within a minute however the United fans were celebrating the opening goal after a deep Robson cross from the right was cleverly headed back across goal and over Halliwell into the far corner of the net by Hunt. With United looking lively at this stage and eager to push forward Willo Flood had a good opportunity to again test Halliwell however he sliced his shot wide of the right post after being played into plenty space in the area by Robson. Hunt, Robson and Flood all tested Halliwell with efforts as United proceeded to dominate the half, with the only action for Grzegorz Szamotulski coming on the stroke of half time when he turned a Richard Offiong effort round the post after hesitation in the home defence.
The second period started slowly, with Hamilton looking to close down the United midfield more in an attempt to cut the supply to the front line. As a result chances were more limited as the game became more of a scrappy affair. Hamilton were appealing for a penalty when the ball bounced up into the body of Willo Flood, however had the ball made contact with a hand it would certainly have been accidental. Moments after the visitors had an excellent chance to level the game when, after the United defence failed to clear, Chris Swailes was given a clear sight of goal but could only blast the ball high over from 7 yards. The combination of Robson and Hunt were however to bring United the second goal in the 77th minute. Christian Kalvenes fed Robson down the left wing and his whipped cross was headed into the net by Hunt who evaded his marker at the back post. Just when the home side thought they could relax a little Hamilton were thrown a lifeline when Prince Buaben handled a Brian Wake cross in the penalty area. Richard Offiong confidently placed the ball high into the net reducing the deficit again to a single goal. It was a test of United's character but they were to respond in the perfect manner as Noel Hunt completed his hat-trick in 85 minutes, side footing home a low Robson cross from close range to put the result beyond doubt.
Full Time Summary:
In the end it was a comfortable scoreline however much credit goes to Hamilton for making United fight all the way to the end to book their semi-final slot. Such was their first half dominance that it was however a deserved win as the Tangerines' impressive home form continued.
Man of the Match:
It would be hard to ignore any player netting a hat-trick but as well as demonstrating clinical finishing Noel Hunt worked as hard as any player on the park and deserved his reward.
United: Szamotulski, Dillon, Kalvenes, Wilkie, Dods, Flood, Hunt, Robson, Gomis (Kerr 81), Buaben, Robertson (Robb 81). Subs Not Used: Mclean, Daly, Kenneth.
Hamilton: Halliwell, Evans (Gibson 31), Easton, McCarthy (Taylor 86), Swailes, McLaughlin, Winters (Wake 74), McArthur, Offiong, Neil, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Cerny, Stevenson.
Referee: Mike McCurry
Attendance: 4567
Click here for the full report by Ally Stewart.
Just one change was made to the United line up from the victory against Rangers on Sunday, with Grzegorz Szamotulski returning in place of Euan McLean.
With 8 minutes played a neat pass from Sean Dillon allowed Robson the chance to play a ball into the danger area. Robertson was just beaten to the ball by a Hamilton defender however the ball broke kindly for Morgaro Gomis 20 yards out and the midfielder was unlucky to see a curling left foot shot rattle the underside of the bar and bounce away to safety. Within a minute however the United fans were celebrating the opening goal after a deep Robson cross from the right was cleverly headed back across goal and over Halliwell into the far corner of the net by Hunt. With United looking lively at this stage and eager to push forward Willo Flood had a good opportunity to again test Halliwell however he sliced his shot wide of the right post after being played into plenty space in the area by Robson. Hunt, Robson and Flood all tested Halliwell with efforts as United proceeded to dominate the half, with the only action for Grzegorz Szamotulski coming on the stroke of half time when he turned a Richard Offiong effort round the post after hesitation in the home defence.
The second period started slowly, with Hamilton looking to close down the United midfield more in an attempt to cut the supply to the front line. As a result chances were more limited as the game became more of a scrappy affair. Hamilton were appealing for a penalty when the ball bounced up into the body of Willo Flood, however had the ball made contact with a hand it would certainly have been accidental. Moments after the visitors had an excellent chance to level the game when, after the United defence failed to clear, Chris Swailes was given a clear sight of goal but could only blast the ball high over from 7 yards. The combination of Robson and Hunt were however to bring United the second goal in the 77th minute. Christian Kalvenes fed Robson down the left wing and his whipped cross was headed into the net by Hunt who evaded his marker at the back post. Just when the home side thought they could relax a little Hamilton were thrown a lifeline when Prince Buaben handled a Brian Wake cross in the penalty area. Richard Offiong confidently placed the ball high into the net reducing the deficit again to a single goal. It was a test of United's character but they were to respond in the perfect manner as Noel Hunt completed his hat-trick in 85 minutes, side footing home a low Robson cross from close range to put the result beyond doubt.
Full Time Summary:
In the end it was a comfortable scoreline however much credit goes to Hamilton for making United fight all the way to the end to book their semi-final slot. Such was their first half dominance that it was however a deserved win as the Tangerines' impressive home form continued.
Man of the Match:
It would be hard to ignore any player netting a hat-trick but as well as demonstrating clinical finishing Noel Hunt worked as hard as any player on the park and deserved his reward.
United: Szamotulski, Dillon, Kalvenes, Wilkie, Dods, Flood, Hunt, Robson, Gomis (Kerr 81), Buaben, Robertson (Robb 81). Subs Not Used: Mclean, Daly, Kenneth.
Hamilton: Halliwell, Evans (Gibson 31), Easton, McCarthy (Taylor 86), Swailes, McLaughlin, Winters (Wake 74), McArthur, Offiong, Neil, Gilhaney. Subs Not Used: Cerny, Stevenson.
Referee: Mike McCurry
Attendance: 4567
Click here for the full report by Ally Stewart.
