DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | MOTHERWELL (H)
31st October 2024
Kilmarnock 1 (Taylor ’90)
Dundee United 1 (Levitt ’43)
3pm, Saturday 30th July
Rugby Park
cinch Premiership
It was a point on the road for United as Ash Taylor’s late strike cancelled out another Dylan Levitt wonderstrike.
Our 2022/23 cinch Premiership campaign got underway this afternoon as we took on last season's cinch Championship winners Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
It was the home side who started the game on top, opening up space well down each flank but failing to cause any major threat to Birighitti’s goal.
United grew into the half with Mathew Cudjoe and Tony Watt proving problematic for the Kilmarnock back five. Both wide men threatened down the flanks on numerous occasions with some deep crosses into the area, however, United lacked a clinical final touch.
A Stunning Strike
It was a similar old story for our number 19, who doesn't seem to do 'tap-ins.'
Just before half-time, Steven Fletcher did extremely well to compose himself inside the Kilmarnock box before a neat backheel set up Levitt.
The onrushing Welshman made no mistake and lashed the ball home first-time into the roof of the net.
That sent the United fans in the Chadwick Stand into pandemonium and gave the Terrors a one goal cushion going into the break.
Levitt also scored here at Rugby Park last season to send us into the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. And this was his seventh strike in Tangerine.
Mark Birighitti
There was a competitive debut for our new Australian shot-stopper after the successful application of his work permit.
There were a number of crucial interventions from Birighitti. A big save from close range denied Polwarth, who broke into the penalty area but was expertly denied by the United ‘keeper.
It was a comfortable display from our new number one, who looked calm and composed and commanded his area well.
United Down to Ten
United controlled the majority of the second half, doing well to attack the Kilmarnock full-backs.
However, the flow of the match changed as Ian Harkes saw red in the 72nd minute for a second bookable offence.
A change in shape followed but Killie’s extra man proved vital in the final minute as a deep corner found Ash Taylor at the back post who volleyed home from close range.
Teamlines
Starting XI: Birighitti, Smith, McMann, Mulgrew, Fletcher, Edwards (c), Sibbald, Levitt, Harkes, Cudjoe, Watt.
Substitutes: Eriksson / Graham / Niskanen / Clark / Middleton / Meekison / Freeman / Fotheringham / MacLeod
Total attendance: 8014 (1636 away)
The Terrors are back in competitive action on Thursday evening as we welcome AZ Alkmaar to Tannadice in the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round.
Season ticket holders can secure their ticket during the priority period which ends on Sunday at 23:59. General sale will begin on Monday at 9am.
CLICK HERE to secure your seat!
