FIXTURE INFORMATION | DUNDEE UNITED B V DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC B
26th November 2024
The most dramatic of late winners from Rory Boulding secured a thoroughly deserved win for the Tangerines and at the same time secured a top six slot which had looked unlikely after the result on Monday night.
For much of first the half two evenly matched teams cancelled one another out and chances were a rarity. When they did come along for Aberdeen, it tended to be speculative efforts from long range, with McGinn and Magennis both failing to trouble Cierzniak. United on the other hand had probably the more clear cut opportunities. A mix up between Jamie Langfield and Russell Anderson almost gifted the opener midway through the half, with the ball bouncing off Gauld and landing narrowly wide of goal. Right on half time the best chance of the half fell to the hosts. Ryan Gauld found space on the left and cut the ball back for Jon Daly who didn't have much time to react but should have done better than shoot high over from around 10 yards out.
Rado Cierzniak was forced to make a decent save soon after half time from a McGinn header which followed a Johnny Hayes cross before Gauld won United a free kick in a dangerous position. Barry Douglas hit the wall but the ball broke for Rankin who drilled at goal from long range however Langfield was able to gather. Gary Mackay-Steven was introduced for Gardyne after 52 minutes and almost immediately wasted a golden opportunity. Gauld fought bravely to win the ball in midfield and played the sub clear through on goal. Only a last ditch challenge from Reynolds as he was about to pull the trigger prevented the Tangerines from taking the lead. From the corner Keith Watson ghosted in and headed only narrowly wide of Langfield's right post as United upped the pressure. A sublime juggle from Mackay-Steven on the left flank allowed him to deliver the ball into the box. The clearance fell to Millar whose driven shot was deflected for a corner. The hosts were then desperately unlucky not to take the lead. Gauld cut inside and shot right footed and when Langfield's block rebounded off Flood the ball smashed against the crossbar. Mackay-Steven then headed the rebound onto the roof of the net and the chance was gone. With 67 minutes played Langfield had to scramble to save a goal bound Watson effort as it looked increasingly likely a goal would win it. Gauld was close again on 73 minutes as his right foot effort slipped narrowly wide following a good set up by sub Rory Boulding. The Aberdeen goal was leading a charmed life and a double save from Langfield kept the score level. Mackay-Steven played Flood into space and the United winger took on the return cross but saw his effort cleared. As the ball ricocheted around the box Daly drove fiercely towards goal but Langfield again denied United. It was almost constant home pressure just now but youngster Souttar did superbly to clear as McGinn raced in on goal following a counter attack. Boulding was next to threaten when Mackay-Steven played him in but the shot was straight at Langfield. With the score at Rugby Park meaning a place in the top 6 was there for the winner Aberdeen again threatened on the break with 4 minutes to go. Nicky Low strode forward and played to Peter Pawlett who forced Cierzniak to save at the near post with his legs. Mackay-Steven appeared to have been played in for a late opportunity by Gauld but even if his effort hadn't rolled narrowly wide an offside flag had been raised in any case. Watson then shot over from just inside the box as the game opened right up. It was frantic stuff and at the other end McGinn forced Cierzniak to save and he then did even better in touching a Fallon shot round the post with a minute to go. In injury time there was to be a dramatic late winner - and it went to the hosts. Rory Fallon dithered in the left back area and gifted the ball to Watson. He played the ball into wide open space for Rory Boulding who, under the most intense pressure, slotted beyond Langfield and secured the hosts a top 6 spot.
Full Time Summary: It was a glorious day and glorious end to an absorbing match for the hosts. For their second half performance alone they merited the win which looked for spells as if it would never come. To do it in such dramatic fashion was the best way possible for the Tangerines who now go to Hampden next week knowing they will be finishing the season on the top six.
United: Cierzniak, Dillon, Douglas, Flood, Rankin (Boulding 72), Daly, Watson, Millar, Gardyne (Mackay-Steven 52), Gauld, Souttar. Subs not used - Anderson, Ryan, Tornstrand, Dow, Johnston.
Aberdeen Langfield, Jack, Anderson, Rae, Vernon, McGinn, Hayes (Low 72), Naysmith, Magennis (Fallon 78), Reynolds, Shaughnessy (Pawlett 84). Subs not used - Twardzik, Milsom, Hughes, Smith.
Man of the Match: Calm and assured at the back alongside John Souttar, Sean Dillon stood out all afternoon. He constantly took care of the ball and took the pressure of those around him.
Attendance - 8577
Referee - Craig Thomson
For much of first the half two evenly matched teams cancelled one another out and chances were a rarity. When they did come along for Aberdeen, it tended to be speculative efforts from long range, with McGinn and Magennis both failing to trouble Cierzniak. United on the other hand had probably the more clear cut opportunities. A mix up between Jamie Langfield and Russell Anderson almost gifted the opener midway through the half, with the ball bouncing off Gauld and landing narrowly wide of goal. Right on half time the best chance of the half fell to the hosts. Ryan Gauld found space on the left and cut the ball back for Jon Daly who didn't have much time to react but should have done better than shoot high over from around 10 yards out.
Rado Cierzniak was forced to make a decent save soon after half time from a McGinn header which followed a Johnny Hayes cross before Gauld won United a free kick in a dangerous position. Barry Douglas hit the wall but the ball broke for Rankin who drilled at goal from long range however Langfield was able to gather. Gary Mackay-Steven was introduced for Gardyne after 52 minutes and almost immediately wasted a golden opportunity. Gauld fought bravely to win the ball in midfield and played the sub clear through on goal. Only a last ditch challenge from Reynolds as he was about to pull the trigger prevented the Tangerines from taking the lead. From the corner Keith Watson ghosted in and headed only narrowly wide of Langfield's right post as United upped the pressure. A sublime juggle from Mackay-Steven on the left flank allowed him to deliver the ball into the box. The clearance fell to Millar whose driven shot was deflected for a corner. The hosts were then desperately unlucky not to take the lead. Gauld cut inside and shot right footed and when Langfield's block rebounded off Flood the ball smashed against the crossbar. Mackay-Steven then headed the rebound onto the roof of the net and the chance was gone. With 67 minutes played Langfield had to scramble to save a goal bound Watson effort as it looked increasingly likely a goal would win it. Gauld was close again on 73 minutes as his right foot effort slipped narrowly wide following a good set up by sub Rory Boulding. The Aberdeen goal was leading a charmed life and a double save from Langfield kept the score level. Mackay-Steven played Flood into space and the United winger took on the return cross but saw his effort cleared. As the ball ricocheted around the box Daly drove fiercely towards goal but Langfield again denied United. It was almost constant home pressure just now but youngster Souttar did superbly to clear as McGinn raced in on goal following a counter attack. Boulding was next to threaten when Mackay-Steven played him in but the shot was straight at Langfield. With the score at Rugby Park meaning a place in the top 6 was there for the winner Aberdeen again threatened on the break with 4 minutes to go. Nicky Low strode forward and played to Peter Pawlett who forced Cierzniak to save at the near post with his legs. Mackay-Steven appeared to have been played in for a late opportunity by Gauld but even if his effort hadn't rolled narrowly wide an offside flag had been raised in any case. Watson then shot over from just inside the box as the game opened right up. It was frantic stuff and at the other end McGinn forced Cierzniak to save and he then did even better in touching a Fallon shot round the post with a minute to go. In injury time there was to be a dramatic late winner - and it went to the hosts. Rory Fallon dithered in the left back area and gifted the ball to Watson. He played the ball into wide open space for Rory Boulding who, under the most intense pressure, slotted beyond Langfield and secured the hosts a top 6 spot.
Full Time Summary: It was a glorious day and glorious end to an absorbing match for the hosts. For their second half performance alone they merited the win which looked for spells as if it would never come. To do it in such dramatic fashion was the best way possible for the Tangerines who now go to Hampden next week knowing they will be finishing the season on the top six.
United: Cierzniak, Dillon, Douglas, Flood, Rankin (Boulding 72), Daly, Watson, Millar, Gardyne (Mackay-Steven 52), Gauld, Souttar. Subs not used - Anderson, Ryan, Tornstrand, Dow, Johnston.
Aberdeen Langfield, Jack, Anderson, Rae, Vernon, McGinn, Hayes (Low 72), Naysmith, Magennis (Fallon 78), Reynolds, Shaughnessy (Pawlett 84). Subs not used - Twardzik, Milsom, Hughes, Smith.
Man of the Match: Calm and assured at the back alongside John Souttar, Sean Dillon stood out all afternoon. He constantly took care of the ball and took the pressure of those around him.
Attendance - 8577
Referee - Craig Thomson
