DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | MOTHERWELL (H)
31st October 2024
Dundee United 0 – 1 Port Vale
La Cala, Spain.
The squad were put through their paces as Jack Ross took charge of his second pre-season friendly.
There were starts for all three of our summer additions as Steven Fletcher, Dylan Levitt and Craig Sibbald all featured under the Spanish sun.
Opening 25
United almost found their way through the backline early on as Levitt looked to find Fletcher with a lofted through pass which was just cut out by the Port Vale defender. Our number nine linked up well over the course of the match bringing the midfield into the game.
Port Vale went close to opening the scoring just after the ten-minute mark. Ben Garrity’s through ball found Tommy McDermott, who cut inside and fired a left footed effort off the cross bar.
Throughout the opening exchanges Levitt and Clark interchanged well in the middle of the park. Sibbald also looked sharp, showcasing his ability to drive box-to-box.
Some more nice link up from Port Vale was on display as McDermott picked the ball up deep in midfield before driving forward and releasing the ball wide. Mal Benning’s cross was met at the back post by Garrity, who headed just over the bar.
Carljohan Eriksson was called into action a few times but dealt with any threats comfortably.
Second 25
Jack Ross’ side impressed by playing out from the back on numerous occasions and controlled possession throughout the second period. Both full backs – Kieran Freeman and Flynn Duffy – both put in excellent displays, demonstrating their ability to be involved at either end of the pitch.
However, it was Port Vale that took the lead late on, with McDermott turning home into an empty net from close range following a counterattack.
Final 25
There were nine changes made during the second interval, resulting in a change of shape.
Ross Graham made two important blocks within a matter of minutes. The first of which came after a quick throw in was then cut back by McDermott, only for Graham to cut the ball out before reaching the back post. A last-ditch sliding tackle then stopped James Plant as he looked certain to get a shot away from inside the 18-yard box.
United did hit the back of the net before it was ruled offside. Archie Meekison delivered a teasing cross into the box which Declan Glass nodded home before the flag was raised.
McDermott and Plant led another counterattack for the opposition. The latter set up Port Vale’s number 13 with a backheel, who then took his time in the area before firing a shot off the outside of the post.
Ilmari Niskanen also came close when his curling effort just clipped the top of the cross bar.
With the last action of the match, Miller Thomson beat his man with a clever nutmeg before appearing to be pulled down in the area. The referee waved play on before blowing the full-time whistle.
There were many positive for United to take from today's run out - including no significant injuries. We return to action this Saturday, welcoming Sunderland to Tannadice for a 3pm kick-off.
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