DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | RANGERS (A)
25th November 2024
A Ross Barclay header with only three minutes remaining handed Everton a narrow victory over an impressive United side at Tannadice tonight. United had the better of the play and particularly in the second half enjoyed the majority of the possession against their Barclays Premiership visitors.
After defeating city rivals Dundee on Saturday, Peter Houston made a couple of changes for the glamour friendly against David Moyes's side. Barry Douglas returned from injury at left back whilst Michael Gardyne made his first start at Tannadice after his summer move from Ross County. Skipper Jon Daly, who netted a hat-trick on Saturday, started on the bench.
First Half:
The match was played in perfect conditions in front of a healthy crowd and early on Gunning was very alert on two occassions, blocking efforts from Coleman and Anichebe. United sprang into life after 12 minutes when Mackay-Steven broke down the left and sent in a low cross that Russell just failed to connect with. Russell then fed Gardyne in the penalty box. United's new boy neatly turned and fired in a powerful shot but Howard saved well. The roles reversed on the 20 minute mark, this time a Russell left foot shot went just over from the edge of the penalty area. On the stroke of half time McAleny went close for the visitors but Barry Douglas thwarted him with a fine saving tackle.
Second Half:
In typical pre season fashion both managers used the majority of their substitutes during the course of the second period with Ryan Dow proving to be the most impressive for the hosts. Five minutes after the restart the United youngster broke down the left a sent a dangerous ball into the Everton penalty area with the ball being cleared for a corner by Everton's Sisco. Seven minutes later Russell tested Tim Howard but the USA International saved well from the United striker. Dow was next to test Howard after being set up by Willo Flood however once again the impressive keeper prevented United from taking the lead. With very few clear cut chances United pressed for a goal and with 77 minutes gone they won a free kick in a very dangerous position. Barry Douglas swung in a direct free kick but the defensive wall did its job and the ball deflected wide for another corner. Seven minutes from time United went very close to breaking the deadlock. Dow sent in a corner that was met by the head of Gunning but the goal bound header was punched clear by Howard. In the dying moments of the match Vallios went close for Everton with a curling right foot shot and then, with the match set for a stalemate, Coleman crossed from the right and Barclay headed into the far corner of the net leaving Cierzniak with no chance.
Summing Up - A good run out for both teams as they prepare for the season ahead. United will take heart from more than matching their high profile visitors and will hope to take this form into the SPL campaign that is just round the corner.
Teams:
United: Czierzniak, Dillon, Douglas, Gunning, Russell, Ryan, Mackay-Steven, Watson, Gardyne, Armstrong, Rankin
Subs: Banks, McLean, Flood, Daly, Millar, Dow, Hilson, Barratt, Gauld
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Distin, Duffy, Rodwell, Sisco, Osman, Coleman, Anichebe, McAleny Subs: Tandul, Fellani, Vellios, Barkley, Garbutt
Attendance: 6537
After defeating city rivals Dundee on Saturday, Peter Houston made a couple of changes for the glamour friendly against David Moyes's side. Barry Douglas returned from injury at left back whilst Michael Gardyne made his first start at Tannadice after his summer move from Ross County. Skipper Jon Daly, who netted a hat-trick on Saturday, started on the bench.
First Half:
The match was played in perfect conditions in front of a healthy crowd and early on Gunning was very alert on two occassions, blocking efforts from Coleman and Anichebe. United sprang into life after 12 minutes when Mackay-Steven broke down the left and sent in a low cross that Russell just failed to connect with. Russell then fed Gardyne in the penalty box. United's new boy neatly turned and fired in a powerful shot but Howard saved well. The roles reversed on the 20 minute mark, this time a Russell left foot shot went just over from the edge of the penalty area. On the stroke of half time McAleny went close for the visitors but Barry Douglas thwarted him with a fine saving tackle.
Second Half:
In typical pre season fashion both managers used the majority of their substitutes during the course of the second period with Ryan Dow proving to be the most impressive for the hosts. Five minutes after the restart the United youngster broke down the left a sent a dangerous ball into the Everton penalty area with the ball being cleared for a corner by Everton's Sisco. Seven minutes later Russell tested Tim Howard but the USA International saved well from the United striker. Dow was next to test Howard after being set up by Willo Flood however once again the impressive keeper prevented United from taking the lead. With very few clear cut chances United pressed for a goal and with 77 minutes gone they won a free kick in a very dangerous position. Barry Douglas swung in a direct free kick but the defensive wall did its job and the ball deflected wide for another corner. Seven minutes from time United went very close to breaking the deadlock. Dow sent in a corner that was met by the head of Gunning but the goal bound header was punched clear by Howard. In the dying moments of the match Vallios went close for Everton with a curling right foot shot and then, with the match set for a stalemate, Coleman crossed from the right and Barclay headed into the far corner of the net leaving Cierzniak with no chance.
Summing Up - A good run out for both teams as they prepare for the season ahead. United will take heart from more than matching their high profile visitors and will hope to take this form into the SPL campaign that is just round the corner.
Teams:
United: Czierzniak, Dillon, Douglas, Gunning, Russell, Ryan, Mackay-Steven, Watson, Gardyne, Armstrong, Rankin
Subs: Banks, McLean, Flood, Daly, Millar, Dow, Hilson, Barratt, Gauld
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Distin, Duffy, Rodwell, Sisco, Osman, Coleman, Anichebe, McAleny Subs: Tandul, Fellani, Vellios, Barkley, Garbutt
Attendance: 6537
