Reserves Defeat St Johnstone

The Tangerines had to come from behind to defeat Saints in the opening tie of the newly instigated Reserve League Cup at St Andrews University.

By Peter Rundo

Having the advantage of a blustery wind in the first half and with Fraser Fyvie and Billy King continuing their comebacks from injury, United dominated.

But it was only just before the break that they had a clear-cut chance, Saints defender Karl Quigley deflecting Archie Thomas’s netbound shot off the line.

With Fyvie and King making way for Kieran Inglis and Louis Appere at the start of the second half, though Saints had the advantage of the elements, United still looked dangerous on the break.

However, it was the visitors who struck first on 63 minutes.

Keeper Josh Donaldson flapped at a high lob from Chris Kane and the ball fell to Jordan Northcott who slotted home.

Three minutes later, the United keeper atoned for his earlier error with a fine save denying Greg Hurst.

The Young Terrors hit back on 72 minutes when Appere angled home.

Nine minutes from time, Declan Glass clipped the bar from the edge of the  box.

However, it was only a temporary reprieve, Matty Smith shooting low past Mark Hurst from a Thomas through ball with five minutes left.

Dundee United: Donaldson, Wardrop, Graham, Reekie, Bollan, Fyvie (Inglis 46), Thomas, Zata, Smith, Glass, King (Appere 46).

Subs not used: Currid, McArthur.