First Team

MATCH REPORT | UNITED PUT LIVINGSTON TO THE SWORD AT TANNADICE

22nd April 2023

DUNDEE UNITED 2
LIVINGSTON 0
3PM SATURDAY 22ND APRIL
CINCH PREMIERSHIP
TANNADICE PARK
Attendance: 8,034

United made it three wins on the trot as we continue our ascent up the cinch Premiership table - ending Livingston's top-six hopes in the process. 

THE TEAM TALK

Jim Goodwin named a fully unchanged compliment from last weekend’s victory at Fir Park.

Ilmari Niskanen started consecutive matches for the first time this season, providing support to Steven Fletcher alongside Aziz Behich in the United front three. 

The match came too soon for Dylan Levitt, Glenn Middleton and Peter Pawlett - although the Gaffer has highlighted we may see a return to action for some of our absentees after the split. 

FITS AND STARTS 

It was an opening fifteen in which neither team tested the opposition goalkeeper. 

United’s earliest chance came with six minutes on the clock as Fletcher did well to cleverly hold up play before sending Niskanen chasing down the right flank. 

Our Finnish midfielder cut it back onto his left foot, aiming for Ian Harkes in the middle with a curling ball which was well cut out by the Livingston back line. 

Livingston’s earliest change came after a quarter of an hour, this time it was their number nine - Bruce Anderson - involved in holding up play for Nicky Devlin. As he set for the shot, smart defending from Aziz Behich put the full-back under pressure before he skewed his effort wide.

TENACIOUS TERRORS

With 17 minutes on the clock, Jamie McGrath had his third goal in three games in some style!

After a number of United bodies pressed forwards, it was Harkes who opened up space with a clever touch inside before laying off McGrath just over twenty yards from goal. 

In a rich vein of form, our number 18 took one touch to set himself before arrowing an effort low into the corner beyond Shamal George who could get nowhere near it. 

United looked to have a second just minutes later, only denied through a smart stop from George. 

It was clever build-up from the men in Tangerine, the ball worked out wide from Craig Sibbald for Scott McMann to deliver a dangerous ball into the area. 

No surprise it was Fletcher who made first contact, knocking it down for Niskanen who pulled the trigger but was denied on his weaker left foot. 

AN ENFORCED CHANGE

Just after half an hour, what looked to be a slight muscle tweak pulled the curtains on McGrath’s afternoon. He was replaced by Kai Fotheringham as United looked to maintain their attacking threat. 

There was limited action in what remained of the opening 45, Harkes being cautioned the standout event as the half came to a close. 


END TO END

Steven Bradley let fly in Livingston’s opening chance of the second half - cutting inside on his left foot to drive at goal but it was well wide of Birighitti's post. 

United’s earliest second-half opening came as Behich robbed Nicky Devlin whilst Livingston looked to counter. The Australian burst into the box but his pass across the face of goal was just ahead of any tangerine shirts as we looked to double our lead. 

United went roaming once more.

This time Niskanen delivered a deep ball towards the back post. A shout from Behich allowed Fletcher to let it run before it was eventually put back into his path. He looked for power rather than placement but his shot was no trouble for George and sailed over. 

Birighitti’s first real test came as Nouble shrugged off several challenges before sliding the ball across for Andrew Shinnie. It was a similar position to McGrath’s opener, but it was comfortable for Birighitti who gathered low at the second time of asking. 

ADDING BITE

Much to the delight of the home ends, there was some real doggedness and grit about the Terrors’ press as we headed into the final fifteen minutes. 

Willing running from all four of our front men - being backed from a rigid shape at the back - had Arabs on their feet in the stands. 

There were second-half bookings for Loick Ayina, Shinnie and our Gaffer as it threatened to boil over at Tannadice. 

FINAL TEN 

As we approached the full-time whistle, a dangerous ball into the United penalty area looked to cause trouble. However, as it was slid across the six-yard line, Niskanen stepped forward to send the ball clear, away from any potential danger. 

There was a stop in proceedings as Fletcher went down, requiring treatment just inside the Livingston half. 

SEALING THE DEAL 

With less than five minutes of time left, Fletcher put the icing on the cake - wrapping up all three points with a cool finish. 

It was an outstanding display of determination from Fotheringham, who never gave Montano a moment’s peace before stealing the ball and sliding in the veteran striker. 

Our number nine - free of any white shirt - had time to pick his spot and finish with aplomb low beyond George in front of a packed-out Eddie Thompson Stand. 

It’s a victory that means United have taken 9 points from 9 in our final three pre-split fixtures - a feat not achieved all season. 

POST-MATCH THOUGHTS
TEAMLINE 

Starting XI: Birighitti, McMann, Mulgrew, Niskanen, Fletcher (90' MacLeod), Sibbald, Behich, McGrath (31’ Fotheringham (87'Edwards)), Freeman, Harkes, Ayina

Unused subs: Newman, Graham, Djoum, A.Sadat, Cudjoe, Thomson,

NEXT UP 

Post-split fixtures are yet to be confirmed and full match details will be released in due course. 

Season Ticket holders are reminded that next weekend - Saturday 29 April - we host our Open Training Session here at Tannadice Park. 

Full details can be found here. 

Current Season Ticket holders are reminded that the Renewal Period for 2023/24 Season Tickets ends 5pm Sunday 30 April. 

This is the only chance for current Season Ticket holders to secure their existing seat, which will be released at the beginning of the Discount Period - Wednesday 3 May. 

 

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