DUNDEE U-20S 1 UNITED U-20S 0

Dundee edged a typically hard fought derby thanks to the only goal of the match at Links Park after seven minutes. Despite the efforts of the young Tangerines, particularly in the second half, they couldn’t fashion an equaliser.

By Peter Rundo

Whereas Dundee had a couple of first teamers in their ranks, Randy Worters and Lewis Spence, the Tangerines had no overage players with only Scott Allardice having any appreciable top team experience.

It was Dundee who got off to the better start and it was during that period that they were to score what proved to be the all-important goal.

Worters raced down the left before firing a low cross into the middle from which Matt Henvey had an effort blocked, but the ball fell to Jack Lambert who hammered home.

Jesse Curran and Worters both went close as the visitors looked to increase their lead before their trialist, former Burnley striker Richard Pingling, missed a golden opportunity, racing clear and rounding Josh Donaldson, only for the angle to defeat him.

The hosts were lucky not to be reduced to ten men when a reckless challenge on Harvey Dailly was deemed only worthy of a yellow card.

Towards the interval, United finally started to make in-roads at the other end, and had a big shout for a penalty turned down just before the break.

Declan Glass robbed Calum Ferrie and, although the keeper did collect then ball, it was only after grabbing the United striker.

In the second half, there were fewer chances with more coming United’s way.

On 65 minutes, Archie Thomas played in Logan Chalmers, but his low drive was well saved by Ferrie.

There was a let off for the young Terrors eight minutes later when Donaldson beat away a Worters shot and Lambert, following up, headed against the crossbar.

Three minutes from time substitute Dom Mckmeekin saw his shot low drive held by Ferrie. 

Then in the last minute, Spence went clear on goal, rounded the advancing Donaldson but then failed to hit the target from 30 yards.

Team: Donaldson, Ritchie, Davidson, Reekie (C), Bollan, Dailly, Allardice, Thomas, Chalmers, Appere (Ward 67), Glass (Mcmeekin 67).

Subs not used; Davie, Hornby, Inglis.