Despite dominating most of the match at Tannadice tonight, the young Terrors had to settle for a draw following two penalty conversions on the part of the visitors.
By Peter Rundo
The Tangerines got off to a terrific start with a goal inside three minutes.
Justin Johnson threaded the ball through to Matty Smith whose shot was blocked by keeper David Mitchell.
In the aftermath, Johnson was fouled on the edge of the box and Brad Smith brilliantly curled the free kick into the top left-hand corner.
Dundee failed to make any sort of impression in the first half and were fortunate only to go in one behind.
Thomas Konrad cleared a Harry Souttar header off the line; Flo Sinama Pongolle pinged one inches wide and Matty Smith ran half the length of the park before firing a shot that keeper David Mitchell could only block with his feet.
Just as they had done in the first half, United scored within two minutes of the restart.
Ali Coote played in Matty Smith and he angled the ball into the far corner from 15 yards.
Unexpectedly, Dundee pulled one back ten minutes later courtesy of a Calvin Colquhoun penalty conversion after Konrad was brought down.
That breathed new life into the Dark Blues, but without producing anything tangible in front of goal.
Indeed, only a fine save by Mitchell from a Coote volley prevented a third for the hosts with 15 minutes left.
But with two minutes to go, Johnson brought brought down Kyle Clark and Colquhoun again sent Zwick the wrong way from the spot.
Dundee United: Zwick, Tumlilty, Davie, Ballantyne, H Souttar, Morris, Johnson, B Smith, M Smith, Sinama Pongolle, Coote.
Subs not used: Booth, Allardice, Taylor, McNaughton, Murrell, Garden, Ritchie.
Dundee: Mitchell, Gibb, Meggatt, Priest, Konrad (Allan 69), Colquhoun, T Black, Berry (J Black77), Skelly, Curran, Gemmell (Clark 46).
Subs not used: Gourlay, Warwick, Gallacher.