Carson heroics sees Dundee earn first Scottish Cup victory over United since 1956
An early goal from Simon Murray was enough to see Dundee past their city rivals despite a nervy ending. In doing so, they earned their first Scottish Cup victory over United in 69 years. Just two minutes into proceedings Murray silenced the visiting fans with a leaping header to meet Finlay Robertson’s cross and put Dundee ahead. Murray was almost in with a double but his curling effort made its way past Jack Walton’s left hand side before Aaron Donnelly’s header effort could only nestle itself on the top of the net. United will rue not converting a glaring opportunity as Ross Graham’s header was fired over the bar to send Jim Goodwin’s side into the break goalless. The manager will no doubt feel aggrieved by the referee’s decion to deny his side a goal as a VAR check confirmed Declan Gallagher had fouled Simon Murray in the build up to Vicko Sevelj’s goal that never was. Dundee were their own worst enemy when not one, but three players failed to master to bounce of the ball for what should have been a point blank finish. Unable to capitalise on the chaos in the box, the Lyall Cameron was denied by teammate Oluwaseun Adewumi near the line. After coming out for the second half with a much needed intensity, Sevelj’s was far less accurate with his next effort, blasting his shot well over the head of Dundee keeper Trevor Carson before Kevin Holt followed suit. Faring no better with his opportunity, Cameron sent the match ball into Row Z as the home side looked to regain control of the tie. The struggle to test the respective keepers continued when Louis Moult’s bullet header lacked the requisite accuracy to make Carson budge. With each passing minute United looked increasingly likely to score next, Holt coming closer than his teammates albeit right into Carson’s body. A few minutes later Tony Docherty had Ethan Ingram to thank for denying substitute Ruari Paton a certain goal before Carson used every sinew of muscle to tip Declan Gallagher’s header over the bar. Having barely exerted himslf in the first half, Carson was called into action once again to deny Will Ferry with a flying save before keeping Sam Dalby out. The homes watched the final minutes through their fingers as Kristijan Trapanovski curled effort rattled the post before Sevelj’s header saw the Northern Irish keeper show why he was declared Man of the Match just moments earlier. Dundee coming into their own With a derby victory to progress to the 5th Round, Dundee have capped off what has been an exceptional few weeks. After taking points off Rangers and Celtic with a St Johstone win to boot, Tony Docherty’s men have shown that they are the real deal. They have certainly suffered at times this season but tonight the players showed a new level of grit and desire to deny wave after wave of United’s attacks. The manager has been keen to stress that his side have been almost threadbare in recent weeks due to injury but astute signings continue to deliver as a home time against Championship Airdrie awaits. Lack of first half impetus leaves United wanting There is no doubt that if the visitors had mirrored their second half performance in the first, this would a very different report. Smacking the post with one effort and denied by the flying bodies of both Carson and Ingram for about three or four is arguably just a case of rotten luck but the travelling support will no doubt rue not putting Dundee under the cosh sooner. If there is one positive to take from this exit, it is that Jim Goodwin is well aware of the problems his side are up against as they turn their focus onto securing third place. Paton’s late cameo and the signing of former Manchester City youngster Lewis Fiorini gives plenty reason to suggest that the defeated side have turned a tactical corner and look to add a vital spark to the side. What the manager’s said Dundee boss Tony Docherty: “Really delighted with the players, I thought that was a fantastic performance. “That was a kick-off we’d actually worked on. Real intelligence from Aaron Donnelly and Fin [Robertson] to work it into that area and the corner against a team that don’t concede a lot of set plays. “I think you can see the development of the team. [We’ve] got a real spine of experience with Trevor, Clark, big Mo and Simon but sprinkled throughout with young talented footballers.” United boss Jim Goodwin: “Obviously we gave it everything as you’d expect from this group of players. Dundee deserve a lot of credit, they defended their box brilliantly all night. “The disappointing thing for us is the way we start the game. You cannot concede in the manner that we do, you can’t give good opposition a goal headstart. Dundee: Carson (c), Donnelly, Robertson, Astley, Robertson, Garza (Samuels 83), Sylla, Ingram, Adewumi (Palmer-Houlden 66), Murray, Cameron Unused subs: McCracken, Sharp, Tiffoney, Main Booked: Ingram, Cameron, Sylla Dundee United: Walton, Holt, Gallagher (c), Graham (van der Sande 84), Ferry, Sevelj, Adegboyega (Middleton 71), Strain (Trapanovski 71), Stephenson, Moult (Paton 71), Dalby Unused subs: Fotheringham, Richards, Fiorini, Babunski Att: 9,294 Ref: Matthew MacDermid
Scottish Cup Spotlight: Dundee Derby Set to Thrill at Dens Park
Venue: Dens Park, Dundee Date: Monday, 20 January Kick-off: 20:00 GMT The Scottish Cup fourth round concludes with a thrilling derby at Dens Park as Dundee and Dundee United lock horns in one of Scotland’s fiercest rivalries. With rich histories in the competition, both sides aim to secure their place in the last 16 on a night charged with passion and pride. Historical Stakes Dundee: Winners of the Scottish Cup in 1910, The Dark Blues have reached the final four times since but fallen short on each occasion. Their last final appearance was in 2003, losing 1-0 to Rangers. Dundee United: The Tangerines boast two Scottish Cup victories. The first came in 1994, with Craig Brewster netting the decisive goal against Rangers, and the second in 2010, a 3-0 triumph over Ross County thanks to Craig Conway’s double. United have also endured heartbreak in eight other finals, most recently in 2014, losing 2-0 to St Johnstone. Recent Form Dundee are unbeaten in three games since their derby loss earlier this month, including impressive draws against both sides of the Old Firm. United have recovered from back-to-back league defeats with a morale-boosting win at St Mirren. The last Dundee derby in the Scottish Cup took place on 3 March 2013, with United securing a 2-1 victory. Historically, United have had the upper hand, including five consecutive wins over Dundee in the tournament between 1987 and 1991. The Managers’ Views Jim Goodwin, Dundee United: “We’ve shown we can handle the pressure and adapt to the intensity of derby matches. Sometimes, it’s not about style – it’s about the result. My boys are ready for a dogfight if that’s what it takes.” Tony Docherty, Dundee: “Our form has been strong recently, and we’ve analysed the loss to United earlier this month. It’s time to atone for that result. We’re confident we can deliver a performance that gives us the best chance to win.” Key Battles The derby’s fiery nature often eclipses tactical nuances, turning the clash into a test of grit and resilience. Both sides have points to prove, and with three Premiership clubs already eliminated from this year’s competition, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Dundee end their city rivals’ dominance, or will United continue their Scottish Cup supremacy? All eyes are on Dens Park as the curtain falls on the fourth round. The Full Statement: Jim Goodwin: “I don’t think anybody cares a great deal in these derby games about the overall performance. It’s the end result that they want. We’ve got a way that we want to play and we want to be entertaining and get the ball down. But very often in these games, because of what’s at stake and the nerves involved, it can be a real dogfight. But my boys have shown over the last few months that they’re more than capable of that.” Tony Docherty: “We have been in really good form in the last five games. The one in that run of five was the loss to Dundee United. We have addressed it with the players – it is something we need to try and atone for. I don’t think our performance was enough to lose the game, but there is more we can do to give us the best opportunity of winning this one.”
Ross County Condemn Fans’ Disrespect During Minute’s Silence
Ross County Football Club has expressed outrage at the actions of a small group of fans during a minute’s silence held on Saturday in Dingwall. The tribute, observed before the Scottish Cup fourth-round match against Livingston, was in honour of two football figures: Denis Law, former Scotland, Manchester United, and Manchester City striker, and Gordon Seaton, who played for County in the 1970s and 80s. Disruption occurred in the Jail End stand, where jeering was heard, and several flares were ignited, creating a hazardous environment. The club has labelled the behaviour as “utterly disrespectful” and “reprehensible,” stressing that such actions have no place within Ross County FC. In a statement, the club said: “The group showed utter disrespect during the minute’s silence for a former player and another national football icon. Their conduct was reprehensible, and in addition to the jeering and inappropriate noise, several flares were ignited, which was wholly dangerous, reckless, and could have caused injury to those in the stand. For the avoidance of any doubt, Ross County FC do not accept that there is a place for such unacceptable conduct at our club. Anyone who has information, please contact the club as we work our way through the detailed CCTV footage and other video recordings to identify the perpetrators.” Ross County, alongside police, is conducting an investigation into the incident. They have pledged to examine all available evidence to identify the individuals responsible, warning that both legal action and stadium bans may follow. The tribute was particularly significant as Denis Law, who passed away on Friday at the age of 84, remains the only Scottish player to win the Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the world’s best footballer. Despite the sombre start to the day, Livingston triumphed in the match, securing a 3-2 victory after extra time.
Aberdeen end 12 game winless run at Elgin and more in Scottish Cup Round-up
Aberdeen will hope their convincing 3-0 win over League Two side Elgin City will help get their season back on track as they earned a victory for the first time thirteen games. A Shayden Morris opener followed by a second half Duk double put the Dons on track for a breezy progression to the next round, the task made all the easier by Lyall Booth’s dismissal after two yellow cards with over fifteen minutes remaining. Defending champions Celtic overcame a stubborn Kilmarnock side in a 2-1 victory. Captain Callum McGregor had opened the scoring with long range effort but the visitors responded just before the break through teenager Bobby Wales. In the end, the home side proved too strong with Daizan Maeda putting the tie to bed in the second half. After going into the break just a goal up, Rangers turned on the style in the second half to dispatch the spirited Highland League Fraserburgh side 5-0. A Cyriel Dessers hat-trick and goals from Clinton Nsiala and Ross McCausland ensured the home side would have their name in Monday night’s draw. Despite an impressive turnout in the away end, West of Scotland Premier Division’s Clydebank were powerless to stop Hibernian coming away 3-0 victors at Easter Road. With his 5th and 6th goals in just three games Martin Boyle was in fine form to dispatch the sixth tier side. The captain also added an assist for eighteen year old Rudi Molotnikov to his tally for the afternoon. Hearts came back from a goal down to ease to a 4-1 victory over Highland League side Brechin City. Seventeenth minute substitute Scott Bright fired the home side ahead just six minutes later before Yan Dhanda ensured they went into the break level. Neil Critchley’s side pulled away in the subsequent half with Kevin McHattie’s own goal and a double from new signing Elton Kabangu sealing the tie. Championship club Livingston provided the upset of round, scoring in the penultime minute of extra-time to seal a 3-2 win over Ross County in Dingwall. A penalty from Robbie Muirhead had given the away side the lead before Jordan White equalised. David Martindale’s side re-gained the advantage courtesy of Cristian Montano’s goal before County pulled level once again thanks to Ronan Hale. However in the 119th minute Andrew Shinnie ensured there was no way back for the Premiership side to seal progression to the Last 16. St Mirren proved too strong for League One’s Queen of the South with a 3-1 victory in Dumfries. Toyosi Olusanya’s first half double had set the visitors on their way before Brennan Dickinson pulled one back for Queens. The third tier side struggled for a leveller until substitute Caolan Boyd-Munce dashed their hopes in added time. Manager Simo Valikari will hope St Johnstone‘s 1-0 win over Motherwell can kickstart a climb out of the relegation zone in the coming weeks. Scoring after just nine minutes, Makenzie Kirk ensured fans in Perth could finally celebrate a weekend of football. Meanwhile Championship side Ayr United delivered a 8-0 pummelling of Lowland League side Broxburn Athletic. League One’s Dumbarton suffered a 5-1 home loss to Championship strugglers Airdrieonians. There was extra-time joy for fellow Championship side Queen’s Park who came away 3-2 winners over League One team Montrose. Third tier Stenhousemuir could do little to prevent the Championship’s Dunfermline from powering to a 3-0 victory. Hamilton Academical of League One made their way to the next round after putting away East of Scotland Premier Division side Musselburgh Athletic 3-1. Meanwhile Cove Rangers ensured their would be another member of Scotland’s third division in the Last 16 as they cruised to a 2-0 win over Forfar Athletic.