Dundee United Archives

“Unplayable” St Mirren Frontline Boost European Ambitions

Dundee United 0-2 St Mirren Mandron (31′) Ayunga (66′) St Mirren secured their first win at Tannadice since 2022 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Dundee United, significantly bolstering their prospects of consecutive European qualification. The Buddies established early control, confidence clearly stemming from their unbeaten post-split form. Initial forays saw Mikael Mandron and Ronald Idowu direct efforts wide of the target, much to the encouragement of their vocal travelling support. For United, their top goal scorer, Sam Dalby was a consistent presence, but he could only head over their best chance of the first half from a dangerous Glen Middleton delivery. Just after the half-hour mark, St Mirren’s early pressure paid dividends. A neat exchange with Ryan Alebiosu culminated in Mandron drilling a precise low shot past a helpless Jack Walton in the United goal. The visitors should have doubled their advantage shortly thereafter when Richard Taylor’s incisive pass split the Dundee United defence, sending Jonah Ayunga clear on goal, but his strike lacked composure and soared over the bar. This seemed to prompt a formation change for the home side, it offered a glimmer of hope when Ross Docherty’s header narrowly missed the target. Overall, Stephen Robinson would have been the considerably happier of the two managers at the interval, with Mandron’s well-taken goal marking their first against Dundee United in five encounters this season. United offered a brief resurgence at the beginning of the second half, with Dalby flashing a shot wide before his powerful header was parried away by Zach Hemming. However, it was St Mirren who consistently appeared the more likely to extend their lead. The dynamic Alebiosu surged down the right flank before unleashing a fierce strike that Walton did well to tip away. A recurring theme of the second period was the Saints’ potent counter-attacking threat, with Stephen Robinson later describing his forward pairing of Mandron and Ayunga as “unplayable.” Indeed, the likes of Mandron, Ayunga, Killian Phillips, and Idowu frequently threatened the exposed United backline. Phillips himself squandered a golden opportunity to seal the victory when the ball fell kindly to him inside the six-yard box, but mirroring Ayunga’s earlier miss, he blazed his shot over the bar. St Mirren did have the ball in the net for a third time when Mandron cleverly played in Ayunga, who cut inside and slotted a shot past Walton, only for the celebrations to be cut short by the linesman’s raised flag. As the final minutes ticked away and sections of the United support began to drift out of Tannadice, Greg Kiltie’s powerful shot was well saved by Walton. Considering the chances created, St Mirren’s victory could arguably have been even more emphatic than their last Tannadice success, a 3-0 win. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United will seek to recover from this setback when they travel to Ibrox on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, St Mirren extend their unbeaten league run to three matches and will look forward to a crucial home fixture against Hibernian on Wednesday, a game that has the potential to significantly shape their European aspirations. Teams Dundee Utd: Walton Sevelj Gallagher Adegboyega Strain Ferry Sibbald (Campbell 83’) Docherty (Moult 70’) Middleton Trapanovski (Paton 64’) Dalby St Mirren: Hemming Taylor (Iacovitti 72′) Gogic Fraser Alebiosu John (Tanser 61’) Boyd-Munce Phillips Idowu (Kiltie 76’) Ayunga Mandron Attendance : 9,821

May 10, 2025

Dundee United players p***** off after Hibs loss – Ferry

United defender Will Ferry says his side are embarrassed after their loss at Easter Road, but will bounce back as they look to secure European football. A lacklustre first-half left the side struggling to overcame a side with just one league in eighteen up until that point, with the defender visibly frustrated after the 3-1 defeat. “Honestly, it’s really frustrating. I don’t want to come in here and give you a rubbish interview, (0:19) but it’s a hard one to take,” said Ferry. “We’ll obviously watch it back, but the first feeling is they are really bad goals and we can’t really hide from that. Even the third one was awful as well. It’s disappointing and we’ll just look to correct it.” As the side struggles to maintain their freshness after forty-two games and a squad lacking the depth of their rivals Hibs and Aberdeen. The opening twenty games saw last season’s Championship winners lose just four games but that has risen to nine in the following fifteen. However the summer signing from Cheltenham said the club must move on swiftly if they are to stay in the race for Europe, with St Mirren their next opponent. “We’re not going to ponder on it. I don’t want to sit here and sulk like a kid. Obviously, you lose games, but it’s the manner we did it,” he said before adding “so, we’ve just got to go and put it right. We can only focus on ourselves, we can’t worry too much about what’s happened now.”

May 5, 2025

Hibs defeat a reality check – Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin admitted there was little to be done as they fell 3-1 to a “better team” in Hibs, with injuries beginning to take their toll on his side. After going two goals down with a quarter of an hour, the visitors made life difficult for themselves in a crucial battle for the European places. “The first half was a non-event as far as we’re concerned in terms of what we put into it”, said the manager whose replacements at half-time brought the side goal back with Kristijan Trapanovski scoring five minutes after coming on. “We had a 20-minute spell just after half-time where we made a couple of changes and I thought both Middleton and Trapanovski had a positive impact. Obviously, we get that goal and get ourselves back into it but I thought Hibs finished the game stronger then as well for the last 15-20 minutes and got the third goal.” Goodwin admitted his side have been counting the costs of a long season, pushing for the top four in their first season since promotion. “We’ve got a number of players starting the game today that are carrying knocks and that aren’t quite at 100% but that’s the situation we’re in. (3:41) We don’t have huge strength and depth, obviously in that back area in particular,” he said after the game. However the manager was keen to stress that Hibernian were deserved winners on the day. “Sometimes you get beaten by the better team and I think if you look at the players that Hibs have got, individually across the board, I just thought that they were better than us. That is, of course, disappointing given what is at stake but we’re very much still in the fight.” With three games left to play, United find themselves three points behind Aberdeen and six behind Hibs with St Mirren, Rangers and the Dons still to play.

May 4, 2025

Advantage Hibs in race for Europe

Hibernian secured a first home win over Dundee United since 2020 as Dwight Gayle’s late finish sealed the three points, taking the side one step closer to qualifying for Europe next season. An uncharacteristic lapse in concentration allowed Martin Boyle to poke the ball home just four minutes in after Declan Gallagher could not untangle his legs from the ball, a twelfth league goal of the season for the forward. Failing heed the warning, Mykola Kukharevych was able to saunter into the box and drive a shot onto the inside of the post before ricocheting behind a helpless Jack Walton. Two changes at the break surmised Jim Goodwin’s displeasure at the lackadaisical approach his side took after going down, the results immediately providing the side with a much needed impetus as Kristijan Trapanovski took advantage of a poor corner clearance to pull one back. As the game approached its end, three minutes after coming on fan favourite and the soon to be retiring Gayle lifted propelled himself to header a third to ensure the points would not travel back to Dundee with the visitors. United in truth were fortunate to not find themselves standing before an even greater mountain to climb as Walton parried efforts from Junior Hoilett and Kukharevych in quick succession. The stopper would deny Josh Campbell with a stunning save from close ranger after the break to keep his side in the game as the midfielder pummelled the ground in frustration. Jordan Smith played his part too at the other end, throwing himself to deny Emmanuel Adegboyega from less than a metre out. Both sides desperate to take advantage of Aberdeen’s defeat at St Mirren. Victory leaves Hibs six points ahead of United and three clear of the Dons with three games left to play. Hibs strength in depth As sides in the league count the casualties in the infirmary, David Gray must take some pleasure in having a bench almost as strong as the starting XI. Having done the dirty work in the first half, the manager could bring on the likes of Kieron Bowie, Nicky Cadden who assisted fellow replacement Dwight Gayle. Gray spoke after the game of the importance of players understanding that the role of substitute is as important as those who started and as their opponents showed signs of running out of steam, the bench might be as important as ever with three to go. Goodwin hopes season does not peter out To finish in the top half is already quite an achievement for a side only just promoted but having come so tantalisingly close it is understandable that anything but a European place would feel like disappointment for Jim Goodwin and his players. Speaking in the press conference, the manager pointed to tired bodies throughout the squad but was keen to point out that Hibs were far and away deserved winners, philosophical in understanding that they have done well to sit where they are whilst not wanting it to end on a sour note. Unimpressed with the way his side played in the first-half, Goodwin said he wanted more from his players to ensure they gave themselves every chance of placing in the top four. After all, they were only three points behind Aberdeen. What the managers said Hibs boss David Gray: “The way they started the game, I thought it was an excellent first-half performance, especially. (0:29) Then, obviously, the way the game went in the second half, the next goal in the game was always going to be huge. Dundee United made a few changes, scored the next goal, but the players showed massive character.” “I said before the game to the players about us controlling the controllables. All we can do at the moment is take care of what we are doing.” ” The line I use all the time with the players is, the team that starts is never the team that finishes. So, subs need to be ready to impact it in a positive way and that’s happened on numerous occasions now this season.” United boss Jim Goodwin: “I thought Hibbs were the better team over the whole piece and deserved the victory in the end.” “Ultimately, what it boils down to is the fashion in which we concede the goals, far too easy.” “Sometimes you get beaten by the better team and I think if you look at the players that Hibbs have got, individually across the board, I just thought that they were better than us. That is, of course, disappointing given what is at stake but we’re very much still in the fight. Line-ups:  Hibs: Smith, Iredale, Bushiri, O’Hora, Obita (N. Cadden 84), Levitt, Triantis, C. Cadden (Miller 84), Hoilett (Campbell 62), Kuharevich (Bowie 69), Boyle (c) (Gayle 84) Unused Subs: Bursik, Ekpiteta, Manneh, Moriah-Welsh Goals: Boyle (4), Kuharevich (14), Gayle (87) Booked: Levitt Dundee United: Walton, Ševelj, Gallagher, Adegboyega (Campbell 78), Ferry, Sibbald, Docherty (c), Strain, Babunski (Middleton 46), van der Sande (Trapanovski 46), Dalby Unused subs: Harding, Fiorini, Fotheringham, Moult, Paton, Richards Goals: Trapanovski (50) Booked: Docherty 18,399

May 3, 2025

Celtic One Result Away from Title as Post-Split Premiership Fixtures Confirmed

Celtic could secure the Scottish Premiership crown on 26 April when they visit Dundee United, needing just a draw to mathematically confirm their dominance. The reigning champions hold a commanding 15-point advantage over Rangers with only five games left, putting them on the verge of a 13th league title in 14 seasons. In a post-split schedule that raises some familiar concerns about fixture balance, the SPFL has now confirmed the remaining fixtures for both the top and bottom halves of the table. The final Old Firm clash of the campaign is set for Sunday 4 May at Ibrox – a potentially fiery occasion even if the title is already wrapped up. Aberdeen kick off their top-six run with a home tie against Hibernian, while Rangers will travel to face St Mirren in their opener. The top-six fixtures will all conclude on Saturday 17 May with simultaneous 12:30 BST kick-offs. However, the post-split format has once again led to some uneven home-and-away tallies. Hibernian must travel to St Mirren for a third time this season, granting the Buddies 20 home matches and only 18 away. Motherwell, meanwhile, will end their campaign having played 20 away fixtures. It’s the first season since 2017-18 where fixture balance couldn’t be maintained across the league. At the other end of the table, St Johnstone begin their survival bid away to Motherwell. They sit bottom, five points behind the rest with time running out. Just six points separate seventh-placed Hearts from 11th-placed Dundee, with only the side finishing 12th relegated automatically. The team in 11th will enter the play-offs. Bottom-half clubs will conclude their campaigns a day later than the top six, with all games on Sunday 18 May at 15:00 BST. 🔝 Top Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Dundee United v Celtic (12:30) Aberdeen v Hibernian (15:00) St Mirren v Rangers (15:00) Saturday 3 May Hibernian v Dundee United (15:00) St Mirren v Aberdeen (15:00) Sunday 4 May Rangers v Celtic (12:00) Saturday 10 May Celtic v Hibernian (15:00) Dundee United v St Mirren (15:00) Sunday 11 May Rangers v Aberdeen (12:00) Wednesday 14 May Aberdeen v Celtic (19:45) Rangers v Dundee United (19:45) St Mirren v Hibernian (19:45) Saturday 17 May (All 12:30) Celtic v St Mirren Dundee United v Aberdeen Hibernian v Rangers 🔻 Bottom Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Hearts v Dundee (15:00) Kilmarnock v Ross County (15:00) Motherwell v St Johnstone (15:00) Saturday 3 May Dundee v Motherwell (15:00) Ross County v Hearts (15:00) St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (15:00) Saturday 10 May Hearts v Motherwell (15:00) Kilmarnock v Dundee (15:00) St Johnstone v Ross County (15:00) Wednesday 14 May Dundee v Ross County (19:45) Hearts v St Johnstone (19:45) Motherwell v Kilmarnock (19:45) Sunday 18 May (All 15:00) Kilmarnock v Hearts Ross County v Motherwell St Johnstone v Dundee

April 15, 2025

Late United Winner Sinks Dundee as The Terrors Claim Derby Bragging Rights

Sam Dalby scored his 10th league goal of the season as Dundee United move up to 3rd in the table Dundee started the derby with 2 changes from their 2-1 win against St Mirren, with United making a solitary change from their victory over Aberdeen. The Dark Blues were searching for their first win in the derby since 2017 in front of a sold-out Dens Park. United started the brighter of the two sides and had a chance in the first minute of the game but Dalby’s header was easily saved by Carson. Dundee then had a golden opportunity to take the lead shortly after when the ball was cut back to Fin Robertson inside the box but his effort was cleared off the line by Strain. Adewunmi’s follow up narrowly went past the post. The momentum of the game began to shift in Dundee’s favour as their constant pressure was penning United back as the first half wore on. 2 more good chances fell their way with Fin Robertson again missed the target from range and Palmer – Houlden also failed to convert from inside the box. Against the run of play, United had a dangerous opening right before the end of the half. A great run from Ryan Strain through the heart of the Dundee midfield, allowed him to lay the ball on a plate for Trapanovski but his attempt went well clear of the Dundee goal. Half Time – Dundee 0-0 Dundee United Following a scrappy start to the second half, the first blow at Dens Park was struck in the 60th minute when the home side were awarded a penalty following a lengthy VAR check. A dangerous ball in from the left saw Simon Murray challenging Graham and Holt in the air, with the ball hitting Holt’s hand in the mix up. Murray made no mistake from the spot sending Walton the wrong way and giving the Dark Blues the lead in the 61st minute. The tangerines responded immediately, however, and equalised through Vicko Sevelj. Dundee failed to clear a long throw into the box from Ross Graham and the Croatian was there to head the ball home inside the 6-yard box. Both teams had chances to score the 3rd goal of the match. A nice ball in behind the tangerine defence sent Palmer-Houlden through but he hit his shot straight at the United keeper. United had a good chance at the other end up both of former Dundee man, Kevin Holt’s shots were blocked by the Dundee defence. Just as it looked as though the game was heading for the 5th draw in 6 Dundee derby’s, Jim Goodwin’s late goal specialist’s won the game in the closing stages. A fantastic ball from Will Ferry set Holt up for a first time cross on the left wing, and it was United’s talisman, Sam Dalby, in the right place at the right time yet again. Dalby’s 88th minute winner sent the away fans delirious as the home fans headed for the exits. Tony Docherty’s men will be bitterly disappointed with the result as they will feel they deserved at least a point out of the game. The result leaves Dundee in 9th, 12 points behind their city rivals. As for United, the win see’s them leapfrog Goodwin’s former side, Aberdeen, into 3rd and will be looking for their 4th victory in a row on Sunday as they host Hearts at Tannadice. Dundee Lineup – Carson (GK) (C), Astley, Graham, C. Robertson, Mulligan, Sylla, Cameron, F. Robertson (Main 90), Adewumi, Palmer-Houlden (Tiffoney 90), Murray Dundee United Lineup- Walton, Strain, Adeboyaga, Holt, Ferry, Stephenson, Docherty (Odada 84) (C), Sevelj, Middleton (Van Der Sande 63), Trapanovski (Graham 46), Dalby Attendance – 11,585

January 20, 2025

Dominant Celtic extend lead to 16 with Dundee United victory

Venue: Celtic Park Date: 08/01/25 Time: 19:45pm Celtic continued their canter towards the title as they put Dundee United away with little difficulty, extending their lead at the top to 16 points. United’s resistance was broken all too easily as Jack Walton’s parried Luke McCowan’s curling effort into the path of Daizan Maeda for the opener. Having kept the score to one down with less than ten minutes to go, United were punished by Reo Hatate in their hunt for an equaliser when Maeda played a neat pass that Paulo Bernardo let slide through his legs for the Japanese midfielder to finish. In truth, United were fortunate to not have conceded sooner after Auston Trusty’s header from a pinpoint Arne Engels corner crashed off the crossbar. Slightly less accurate with his first opportunity on goal, Engels could do no better than fire an effort well over the bar following a good lay off from Adam Idah. The Belgian was however unlucky to see his next long range effort deflected over the bar as United struggled to break out of their own half. Jim Goodwin’s side face more of the same in the second half but Engels continued with his struggles for a goal, firing another effort off target from outside the penalty area. Substitute Kyogo Furuhashi at least tested the keeper as his header from a corner stung Walton’s palms. It would be over an hour but eventually the visitors managed a shot on target, sensing an equaliser was within reach, Glenn Middleton forced Kasper Schmeichel into a relatively comfortable save. Having subsequently gone two down, Sam Dalby was denied a consolation goal by the Dane who held on for a clean sheet. Despite a second consecutive defeat, Dundee United remain third, level on points with the struggling Aberdeen as they travel to St Mirren on Saturday. Celtic meanwhile travel up to Dingwall to face Ross County. Line-Ups: Celtic (4-3-3): K. Schmeichel, G. Taylor, A. Trusty, C. Carter-Vickers, A. Johnston, A. Engels (Paulo Bernardo 80’), C. McGregor (c), L. McCowan (L. Palma 76’), D. Maeda, A. Idah (K. Furuhashi 62’), Yang Hyun-Jun (R. Hatate 62’) Substitutes: K. Furuhashi, Paulo Bernardo, R. Hatate, N. Kuhn, L. Palma, A. Ralston, L. Scales, V. Sinisalo, Alex Valle Dundee United (4-4-1-1): J. Walton, W. Ferry, R. Graham, D. Gallagher (c), E. Adegboyega, G. Middleton, V. Sevelj (R. Docherty 46’), R. Odada (L. Stephenson 59’), K. Fotheringham, K. Trapanovski (S. Dalby 60’), J. van der Sande (M. Thomson 78’) Substitutes: S. Harding, S. Dalby, R. Docherty, D. Richards, L. Stephenson, O. Stirton, R. Strain, M. Thomson, M. Ubochioma Referee: Kevin Clancy

January 9, 2025

Sam Dalby strikes again to leave St Johnstone at foot of the table

Venue: McDiarmid Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 15:00 Dundee United’s impressive first season since promotion continued as they battled to beat St Johnstone on the road. Makenzie Kirk was the author of the afternoon’s first goal with a fine driven strike past Jack Walton just a minute before the half ended. Glenn Middleton caught the hosts napping, firing a shot that nestled between Josh Rae and the post to level the score. In an almost inevitable conclusion to matters, Sam Dalby sealed the three points with a timely to meet Vicko Sevelj cross for his chart topping ninth of the season. Kirk had a chance to put his side ahead even soon in the first half but Walton was alert with a strong save. The striker continued to probe but his second half attempt unable to hit the target. United struggled in the first half but did have a chance, Jason Holt twice denied by home bodies as he failed to convert Kevin Holt’s cross. Drey Wright lashed an attempt for the home side but needed more accuracy to not send it straight into the keeper’s arms. As the second half progressed Dundee United seized control of the game, Kai Fotheringham denied only by Rae putting his body in the way. Dalby almost grabbed a second but his finish slowly rolled wide of the post. Declan Gallagher made headlines for the wrong reasons after lunging in to 15 with his studs up to earn a straight red card. The numerical disadvantage almost finished by a leaping Jack Sanders who was kept out by a leaping Walton. Unable to come away with a result, St Johnstone remain bottom of the table without a win in five. Line-Ups: St Johnstone: J. Rae, K. Cameron, B. Mikulic, J. Sanders, J. Holt (c) (M. Smith 73′), G. Carey, S. Sprangler (A. Essel 86′), D. Wright, D. Keltjens (A. Sidibeh 62′), B. Kimpioka (N. Clark 62′), M. Kirk Substitutes: A. Essel, F. Franczak, M. Kucheriavyi, N. Clark, L. Neilson, A. Raymond, A. Sidibeh, R. Sinclair, M. Smith Dundee United: J. Walton, K. Holt, D. Gallagher (c), E. Adegboyega, W. Ferry, V. Sevelj (L. Stephenson 82′), R. Odada (R. Docherty 71′), R. Strain, G. Middleton (R. Graham 94′), K. Fotheringham (K. Trapanovski 71′), S. Dalby (J. van der Sande 82′) Substitutes: D. Babunski, R. Doherty, R. Graham, D. Richards, L. Stephenson, M. Thomson, K. Trapanovski, M. Ubochioma, J. van der Sande Referee: Kevin Clancy

December 27, 2024

Killie added time penalty salvages point against Dundee United

Dundee United 1 – 1 Kilmarnock Kilmarnock’s struggles continued as they were held to a draw in Dundee, meaning they are now six games without a win. Sam Dalby continued his impressive form to give his side the lead only minutes in after replacement keeper Kieran O’Hara’s save landed at the striker’s feet. Kilmarnock equalised through Anderson’s spot kick in the 95th minute after Richard Odada gave away the penalty. Moult should have grabbed the first but his effort went fractionally wide and Dalby was unlucky to hit the post in the first half before his attacking endeavour was rewarded. Dundee United had a penalty claim denied after O’Hara collided with Dalby. Meanwhile Anderson had a chance for the visitors earlier in the game but his went straight into Jack Walton’s arms. Dundee United’s impressive season continues as they maintained their fourth place despite their status as the league’s promoted side. Attendance: 8,402 Line-ups: Dundee United: J. Walton, K. Holt, D. Gallagher, E. Adeboyega, W. Ferry, D. Babunski (R. Odada 84′), V. Sevelj, R. Strain, L. Stephenson (M. Thomson 95′), R. Strain, L. Moult (J. van der Sande 87′), S, Dalby Substitutes: K. Fotheringham, R. Graham, G. Middleton, R. Odada, D. Richards, O. Stirton, M. Thomson, M. Ubochioma, J. van der Sande Kilmarnock: R. McCrorie (K. O’Hara 60′), R. Deas (G. Mackay-Steven 87′), J. Wright, L. Mayo, F. Murray, C. Ndaba, L. Polworth (K. Magennis 87′), D. Armstrong (B. Wales 67′), B. Lyones, B. Anderson, K. Vassell (M. Watkins 87′) Substitutes: O. Bainbridge, J. Burroughs, G. Mackay-Steven, K. Magennis, R. Magennis, K. O’Hara, D. Watson, B. Wales, M. Watkins

December 7, 2024

Dundee United pile further misery on Rangers with draw

Rangers 1 – 1 Dundee United Rangers title hopes now hang in the balance as Dundee United pushed the hosts to a draw, the Glasgow side now sit eleven points behind leaders Celtic. United made the home side look amateurish in their defending as Sam Dalby waltzed into the box unmarked to give his side the lead. Nedim Bajrami had tested Jack Walton with a curling shot as the keeper was forced into action on multiple occasions in the first half. Robin Propper thought he had equalised only for an earlier Connor Barron hand ball to see it chalked off. Philipe Clement turned to once forgotten men Ianis Hagi and Danilo to make an impact and was soon rewarded. Despite missing a clear cut chance the Brazilian provided an assist for Vaclav Cerny, the midfielder arguably Rangers’ brightest spark this season. Rangers were not able to get anymore out of the game and they now find themselves in a battle for third with their opponents tonight. A far cry from their title ambitions at the beginning of the season.

November 24, 2024

Dundee United

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