Dundee United

Dundee United vs Dundee Match Preview

The Dundee Derby returns this weekend as Jim Goodwin’s inform Dundee United side take on Steven Pressley’s Dundee side who come into this fixture off the back of back-to-back league wins at Dens Park. The last meeting between these sides came in late August this year at Dens Park, where United won 2-0. Summer signings Sapsford and Dolcek scored the goals to give the visitors all 3 points. Results have been very even in the past 7 meetings, 3 have ended in a draw, Dundee have won 2 and so have Dundee United. Dundee United come into the fixture off the back of a 3-1 win away against bottom of the league Livingston, which now means that they are currently on a run of 5 games unbeaten, 3 draws and 2 wins, which started with a 0-0 draw against high-flying Motherwell, then a 2-1 win against the champions Celtic, a 1-1 draw against David Gray’s Hibernian, a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and that 3-1 win in Livingston in their last outing. As a result, The Tangerines now sit in 6th place, above Aberdeen in 7th on goal difference, who lost 2-0 at Easter Road in their last outing, and 1 points above Falkirk in 8th, who lost 1-0 at Dens Park in their last match, albeit having played a game more than both. Dundee come into this fixture off the back of back-to-back league wins for the first time under Steven Pressley and for the first time since March 2024, where they beat Aberdeen at Dens Park then went on to beat St Johnstone in Perth. The Dees now sit in 9th position, 1 point ahead of St Mirren in 10th, albeit having played 2 games more, and 6 points ahead of Kilmarnock in 11th. Should Dundee beat Dundee United this weekend, they would move only 3 points behind their city rivals. However, it will be far from easy based on their away form. The Dark Blues have only picked up 3 points on the road this campaign, 3 draws and 7 losses, which is the worst record of any team thus far. Both sides have only kept 3 clean sheets in 20 matches in the league so far, only Livingston have less with 1 in 19. In terms of goals scored in the league, Dundee United have found the net on 28 occasions, whilst Dundee have only found the net 18 times. Only St Mirren, who have scored 16, have scored fewer thus far. Jim Goodwin on Dundee United’s display against Livingston: “I’m delighted with the overall performance. “The result was the most important thing, but from start to finish we were pretty seamless. “Going in at half-time with just a one-goal advantage was disappointing given the dominance we had in the opening period. “This was the first time we’ve started really quickly and kept that performance going for 90 minutes. “That’s the bar that we have to set now. We have to follow that performance up with another really important performance on Saturday. “We know what Saturday means to the supporters.” Steven Pressley’s on Dundee’s win against Kilmarnock: “We played so well in the first half and went in 1-0 down. I said to them in the dressing room ‘there can be no hard luck stories tonight, we need to make sure we get what we deserve from the game’. They reacted brilliantly. “There’s been so much growth in them recently. We had a really good result against Falkirk and coming into this game, I stressed we hadn’t recorded back-to-back victories in 20 months. “We’re nowhere near where we need to be. We’re progressing, showing some positive signs, but football can change so quickly. But tonight was a really significant for us, a monkey off the back with the 20 months, and the players can take a great deal of confidence.”

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Dundee United 1-1 Hibernian – The points shared in a very dramatic match

Dundee United welcome Hibernian to Tannadice in the Scottish Premiership in a game which has proven to be high scoring in recent times. The opening 15 didn’t offer much in terms of attempts but both sides looking very energetic and up for it but remains goalless. Hibs had the best chance after 17 minutes, a darting run by Nicky Cadden who unleashed a strike from outside the box which rattled side netting. The visitors continued to up the pressure with a cross in from the left by Nicky Cadden who whipped a ball in but missing all bodies in the box. Dundee United went ahead after 21 minutes. Ferry crossed the ball in from the corner as Watters flicked the ball into Stephenson who struck it home to put Jim Goodwin’s men ahead. Nicky Cadden again, running towards the box with an attempt from range firing over the bar. A horror mistake by Sallinger giving away the ball to Watters who was through but Scotland International, Grant Hanley with an amazing block to avoid a two-goal cushion for the hosts. Bowie nearly had Hibs level, following a short corner, Bowie turning and unleashing a strike which hit side netting after the travelling support celebrated thinking they were level. Boyle should’ve had Hibs level, a low cross into the box with Bowie failing to connect with Boyle at the back post but only finding side netting. Hibs were level as a volley from Boyle on the left hand side of the box firing into the bottom right hand corner to draw Hibernian back level. Hibs very close to going ahead as Cadden whipped a ball into the box after a corner which found Zack Mitchell who headed the ball onto the bar which was cleared by the United backline. Into the second half, Max Watters had a great chance, through on goal but a heavy touch resulting in Sallinger collecting. United were very close, Mulligan losing possession as Sibbald robs the ball and feeds it to Watters who takes the shot off first time but fires far into the stands. A very even second half but no major chances but there were signs of a winner coming as both sides were really giving it their all. Trapanovski had a brilliant chance, a pacey run into the box where he cut inside and his effort was brilliantly stopped by Sallinger. The North Macedonian international again cutting onto his right, firing an effort just wide of target. Trapanovski continued to cause problems, doing well to skip past the Hibees midfield where he than took on a shot but struck just wide of the net to keep the match all-square. Hibs chance arrived, a ball into the box which was defended which fell to Levitt but his attempt was wide and over in which was a very weak effort. Ferry with a ball in Sevelj had a chance from range but his shot was deflected and caught by Sallinger in goals. Dundee United: Richards (7), Strain (5), Sevelj (7), Graham (6), Sapsford (7), Ferry (6), Sibbald (8), Fatah (7), Stephenson (8), Keresztes (6), Watters (7). Substitutes: Moller (6), Trapanovski (8), Cleall-Harding (7), Dolcek (6), Esselink (6), Naamo (6). Hibernian: Sallinger (6), Hanley (9), Bowie (6), Boyle (8), Iredale (7), McGrath (6),N. Cadden (8), Mulligan (6), Barlaser (7), Mitchell, Megwa. Substitutes: Campbell (7), Levitt (6), Klidje (6), Hoilett (6), Youan (6).

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Dundee United v Hibernian Match Preview

Dundee United host Hibernian in what promises to be an entertaining encounter. The last match between these 2 sides ended in a 3-3 draw. Jim Goodwin’s side found themselves 3-1 up after 48 minutes, but Hibs managed to rescue a penalty courtesy of goals from Kieron Bowie and a penalty from Jamie McGrath. Hibernian are unbeaten in their last 4 meetings against Dundee United, winning 2 and drawing 2, the last time the Dundee outfit won in this fixture was in October 2024, when Luca Stephenson and Meshack Ubochioma scored in second-half stoppage time to give United all 3 points. In continuation, there has been no less than 4 goals in the last 3 meetings between the 2 sides. The last encounter provided 6 six goals, the meeting in May provided 4 goals, with Hibernian winning 3-1, and the meeting between the sides in February also provided 4 goals, where Hibs also won 3-1. Both sides faced Old Firm opposition in their last encounter and picked up contrasting results. Dundee United came from a goal down to defeat Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic 2-1 at Tannadice. Before their win against the Champions, United were on a run of 7 games without a win, 3 losses and 4 draws. United are 4 points away from 6th and Hibernian in 5th. Hibernian lost 1-0 to Rangers at Ibrox, with Emmanuel Fernandez’ goal the difference between the sides. David Gray’s side have had a mixed start to their 2025/26 Premiership campaign, winning 6, drawing 6 and losing 5. As a result, the Edinburgh outfit sit in 5th place, 3 points off Motherwell in 4th and 5 points away from Rangers in 3rd. Jim Goodwin on his side’s win against Celtic: “It has been a long time since we beat Celtic in front of our own supporters, it was 2014 the last time, and that’s one for them. “We are not getting carried away. We are not happy with our league position, but that gives us a lot of confidence.” David Gray on his side’s defeat at Ibrox: “So, for all the control I felt we had, considering this was a difficult venue to come, Jack Butland didn’t really have a save to make, so it wasn’t as if we had chance after chance and I think that was down to a lack of decision making sometimes, and a lack of quality. “The final third let us down, we just lacked that little bit of cutting edge tonight and it wasn’t for getting into good areas, it was just the final bit and it probably summed up our night, to be honest.”

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Dundee Utd 2-1 Celtic: Sapsford Magic Heaps Further Pressure on Nancy

Dundee United 2-1 Celtic Keresztes (58′)  Sapsford (61′)  Maeda (13′) A second-half capitulation at Tannadice saw Celtic fall to a spirited Dundee United comeback, leaving Wilfried Nancy winless after four games in charge. The visitors posed a constant threat in a frantic first half, clearly eager to banish their Cup final demons and secure a first win for Wilfried Nancy. The pressure began in the 4th minute when Luke McCowan released Daizen Maeda down the right. Yang Hyun-Jun stretched to meet the winger’s low cross at the back post, but he couldn’t direct his effort on target. Callum McGregor scooped a clever ball into Maeda’s path moments later, only for Johnny Kenny to fire his lobbed attempt over the bar. Celtic’s persistence paid off in the 12th minute. After capitalising on sloppy play by the hosts, Auston Trusty fed Kenny in front of the United defence. The striker quickly released the electric Maeda on the left side of the area, and after rounding Bert Esselink, his left-footed strike found the bottom corner of Dave Richards’ goal. It was Maeda’s fourth goal in six league matches, and it rewarded Celtic’s blistering start. Unlike their agonising defeat to St Mirren on Sunday, Nancy’s side played here with total conviction. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United are now winless in seven league matches, and struggled to match Celtic’s relentless tenacity. The hosts offered little early on, with Amar Fatah’s wayward strike from the edge of the box their only half-chance in the opening 20 minutes. Celtic nearly doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Kenny raced clear of the United defence. However, his hesitation in front of the goal allowed Esselink to recover and clear the danger. United finally settled after the half-hour mark and nearly found an equaliser. A long throw-in fell to Esselink on the edge of the area, Max Watters redirected his scuffed shot, but the on-loan Barnsley striker’s touch trickled narrowly wide. The reprieve was short-lived, as Celtic sliced through the United defence again moments later. Maeda continued to haunt Goodwin’s side, latching onto a Hatate through ball and firing a low cross into the path of Kenny. It looked easier to score than miss, but the Irishman scuffed his effort wide. It was another major let-off for the hosts; Celtic should have been out of sight. In a complete reversal of the first half, it was Dundee United who flew out of the blocks. Zac Sapsford’s right-footed strike was blocked early on after Luca Stephenson capitalised on slack play from the Celtic midfield. Kasper Schmeichel was forced into action in the 50th minute, staying alert to deny Sapsford’s low drive after the ball broke to the Australian in a congested penalty area. However, the equaliser finally arrived seven minutes later. Ross Graham did well to keep Ferry’s cross alive at the back post, allowing Krisztian Keresztes to provide a clinical finish across Schmeichel and into the far corner. The roof blew off Tannadice on the hour mark thanks to a moment of individual brilliance. For the second time in minutes, Celtic failed to clear the danger at the back post, and Sapsford whipped a vicious right-footed strike beyond the outstretched grasp of Schmeichel. It was the Australians’ fifth goal of the season, and triggered a chorus of “sack the board” chants from the frustrated travelling support. The sheer intensity of Goodwin’s side appeared to have startled Celtic. The home side eventually retreated into a defensive shape, desperate to protect their slender advantage. Wilfried Nancy turned to his bench, handing a rare opportunity to Shin Yamada, who blazed wide of Dave Richards’ goal in the 75th minute. It was a golden chance for the Japanese striker, who should have carried the ball closer to Richards’ goal. Celtic’s best opportunity to level came in the 82nd minute. James Forrest flashed a teasing cross into the six-yard box for Maeda, but from only a yard out, the winger could only steer his header off the post. Nancy’s side continued to huff and puff, but were unable to cut into United’s lead. Benjamin Nygren’s free kick was off target in additional time, for their final opportunity of the match. The defeat leaves the Scottish Champions six points behind league leaders Hearts, but they still have one game in hand over their rivals. Dundee United’s first win in eight matches leaves them in 8th place, and they host Hibernian on Saturday afternoon. Dundee United: Richards 8 Keresztes 8 Graham 9 Esselink 8 Strain 7 Stephenson 7 Sibbald 7 Ferry 8 Sapsford 8 Watters 6 Fatah 7 Substitutes: Sevelj 7 Moller 7 Dolcek 7 Celtic: Schmeichel 5 Ralston 5 Trusty 5 Tierney 5 McCowan 6 McGregor 6 Hatate 6 Yang 4 Bernardo 5 Maeda 6 Kenny 3 Substitutes: Engels 4 Yamada 3 Forrest 4 Scales 4 Nygren 4

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Dundee United 0-0 Motherwell – A goalless draw at Tannadice as both sides struggled in the final third

Out-of-form Dundee United host in-form Motherwell with the hosts in eager need of victory as pressure begins to mount on Jim Goodwin. Motherwell had the first chance, Stephen O’Donnell with a ball where Callum Hendry heads it straight at David Richards. A simple stop for Richards. Stephen Welsh was forced off after 17 minutes through concussion following a coming together with Elliot Watt. Liam Gordon coming on to replace the on-loan Celtic man. Elliot Watt had a chance after 30 minutes from distance but a simple catch by Richards. A poor opening 30 by both sides as both really struggled to find any real chance with next to no clear cut chances. The hosts had a free-kick just outside the box where Ferry took a shot on but firing right at the Motherwell wall keeping the game goalless. Dundee United had penalty claims where Max Watters went around the keeper in which was taken down by Ward but the referee was having none of it. Watt had a late strike from distance but his effort fires well into the stands which sums up the match so far. Sapsford had the best chance, on the right hand side, cutting in and unleashing a weak strike which was stopped by Callum Ward in the Motherwell goals. Maswanhise had a chance of his own, a strike from the edge of the box which was a simple stop for David Richards. HT Dundee United 0-0 Motherwell – A very poor half of football with no clear-cut chances. There was the odd chance but no keeper being forced into any difficulty as the game was without a goal going into the break. Fatah had an early chance in the second half, a strike inside the box which was deflected with Ward catching the ball safely to keep the game on level terms. Fatah again but this time a darting run towards the box with an low-driven attempt unleashed from the edge of the box fired marginally wide of goal. Fateh had yet another chance, Ferry with a ball onto the edge of the box where Fateh’s strike went over and wide which looked to have been deflected but no corner was awarded. Elijah Just had a great strike from just outside the box but a solid block the Iovu resulted in a corner kick. Signs were showing of a goal coming soon. Slattery this time was very close. A brilliant turn on the ball by the midfielder with his strike firing just wide of goal. A lot better by both sides. Sibbald had a wonderful and ambitious attempt. A strike from the half way line as Ward appeared miles out but his attempt going just wide of target. After 75 minutes, Stamatelopoulos was through on goal where he took on a strike which flew wide of goal. Slattery had a huge chance to put his side, just yards out but fired over the top as it looks to edge towards a goalless draw at Tannadice. Said should’ve had the visitors, an attempt inside the box just firing wide of target as both teams look to try and break the deadlock. FT Dundee United 0-0 Dundee United: Richards 6, Strain 6, Esselink 6 , Iouvu 6, Graham 7, Sapsford 6, Ferry 7, Sibbald 6, Fatah8 , Stephenson7 , Watters 6. Subsitutes: Moller 6, Dolcek 6 , Sevelj 6. Motherwell: Ward 7, O’Donnell 6, Slattery 7, Fadinger 6, McGinn 6, Maswanhise 6, Watt 7, Just6 , Koutroumbis 6, Welsh 5, Hendry 5. Subsitutes: Gordon 6, Said 6, Stamatelopoulos 6, Longelo 6, Charles-Cook 6.

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Dundee United v Motherwell – Match Preview

Dundee United welcome in-form Motherwell to the City Of Discovery as Jim Goodwin aims to get back to winning ways. The last time the two sides clashed was at Fir Park as the Steelmen ran away 2-0 winners in October with goals from Maswanhise and Elliot Watt for Motherwell. The Steelmen have won in four of their last five outings in this meeting with Jim Goodwin’s side last win in this tie coming back in February in a 1-0 victory where Sam Dalby netted the only goal of the game. Since their fourth place finish last season, it hasn’t been all the same for the Tangerines. Dundee United sit 8th after a poor start to their Scottish Premiership campaign. The hosts for Saturday haven’t been able to pick up any win in their last six fixtures with their last win being in a 3-1 win over St Mirren back in October. Jim Goodwin’s side have won once in the last 10 as well as 5 draws and 4 defeats. Motherwell have had the exact opposite as the Steelmen are on fine form this season. Motherwell sit third, just six points off of Celtic in second place. The hosts of course haven’t won in six whereas Motherwell, they haven’t been defeated in six with their last loss being their 4-1defeat at Hampden Park to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup Semi-finals. Since then, the Fir Park outfit have certainly kicked on and become strong prospects of giving the top four a tough battle. Despite the poor form, Jim Goodwin’s men haven’t been shy of a goal, scoring four goals in five for the Tannadice side. Their defensive side have shown to be fragile with no clean sheets in their last 10 outings. Motherwell have been on good form in front of goal, scoring eight times in their last five matches. The Steelmen have been awarded the most league penalties this campaign, being given a spot-kick on six occasions. Motherwell star-man, Maswanhise, has been a standout this season, netting eight times so far this season where the attacker is currently the league’s top goal scorer. Pairing Max Watters and Julius Esekesen both return to the side while Keresztes will be out through suspension. Dario Naamo and Pan Camara sit out with a hamstring injury as well as Pappoe and Kucherenko also remain out. For Motherwell, Andy Halliday isn’t quite ready for action yet with Stuparevic, Oxborough, Nicholson, Robinson, McGhee and Sule all remaining absent. While speaking about the game, Goodwin described Motherwell as “the most in-form team in the league”. “It’s only natural when you’re on the type of run that we’re on that your confidence is going to take a bit of a hit,” Jim Goodwin said. “But we believe in what we’re doing. We are going through, probably, the toughest period that I’ve experienced during my time as United manager. “Football is not a bed of roses all the time, you’ve got to find a way to get through these difficult periods.” “It’s quite a remarkable transformation and he deserves a huge amount of credit,” the Tannadice boss quoted. “Given results, and where Motherwell are sitting in the table, I imagine there’s people all over Europe taking notice. “Motherwell are the most in-form team in the league. The new manager has been incredible in terms of their playing style and they’re as difficult an opponent as you can face at this moment in time. “But we have to believe we’re capable of winning the game. We didn’t do ourselves justice at Fir Park, the second half was a lot better from us, so we have to make sure we start this game the way we did in the second 45 over there.” Jens Berthel Askou believes it’s “extremely satisfying” seeing how his side plays in his style. “In general it’s been pleasing that players that some would have maybe written off and said, ‘no, that type of football is not for him’, that they have managed to actually be really, really good and strong players in what we’re doing,” Askou said. “That has been extremely fulfilling and satisfying for them as individuals, but especially for us as a club and as a group, that a lot of the players who were already here have been thriving in this, which means we don’t have five, six, seven players that have been left behind by the development. “There’s always one or two that might be caught on the wrong side of the competition, who need to move on when the next window of opportunity comes, and then we’ll see. “But it’s very, very few, and it’s not like we have players who have not done well. When they have played or when they are in training, they all look comfortable and really good, and I think that has been extremely satisfying.” Motherwell are now unbeaten in eight Premiership games and sit third before Saturday’s trip to face Dundee United. The Steelmen boss said: “The key thing is not to dwell on that and think we’re fantastic because we’ve had a good run. “It’s going to be harder and harder to win games the more you win, and we also know that the team we are playing on Saturday is a very good team who have not had the results that I think they’re worth as a group.”

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St Mirren 2-0 Dundee Utd: Saints get first league win in eight

St Mirren 2-0 Dundee United McMenamin (17′) Baccus (66′) St Mirren secured a comfortable home win over Dundee United as they look to climb the table. After a cagey start, it was the home side who broke the deadlock after Declan John’s terrific cross was met by Conor McMenamin, whose bullet header rifled past Dave Richards into the back of the net. This was McMenamin’s first goal of the season. The visitors looked to reply as Zac Sapsford went through on goal, but failed to convert his chance. Summer signing Nikolaj Möller’s close-range header drifted wide for United, as Mikael Mandron’s long range strike was off target for the Saints. St Mirren carried the one-goal lead as referee Nick Walsh signalled for half-time. The second half started like the first, with half-chances for both sides but neither taking their opportunity. Sapsford came close once again, as his free-kick cannoned off the crossbar. However, St Mirren found a break of the ball and Killian Philips’ shot was saved by Richards, but substitute Keanu Baccus ensured he converted the rebound to give the Saints a two-goal lead. This was Baccus’ first goal since returning to the club in the summer. United still found chances in the latter stages of the game, as Craig Sibbald’s effort hit the bar and substitute Amar Fateh couldn’t find a way past Shamal George. St Mirren held out to ensure a clean sheet and all three points as they achieved their first win in eight league matches. With this result, Dundee United sit 8th in the league without a win in six matches. They next host Motherwell in a 3 o’clock kick-off next Saturday. St Mirren found their first win in five matches in all competitions and eight matches in the league. They climb out of relegation playoff position into 9th, as preparation now starts for their mammoth tie versus Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final next Sunday afternoon. St Mirren: George, Fraser, King, Freckleton, McMenamin, Philips, Taylor, Gogic, John, Mandron, Ayunga Subs: Baccus (61’), Dijksteel, Douglas, Idowu, Mooney (82’), Mullen, Nlundulu (68’), Richardson 68’, Tanser (82’) Dundee United: Richards, Iovu, Graham, Kereztes, Strain, Sevelj, Stephenson, Sibbald, Ferry, Möller, Sapsford Subs: Adams, Fatah (46’), Beattie, Cleall-Harding, Dolček (82’), Esselink, Stirton, Trapanovski (82’)

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Kilmarnock 1-1 Dundee United: Scrappy Stalemate at Rugby Park

The points were shared at The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park following a contentious penalty andgoal line clearance decision as Kilmarnock break six game losing streak, drawing 1-1 with Dundee United. Stuart Kettlewell made three changes to his Kilmarnock side which lost to Motherwell lastweek as Ethan Brown, Bradley Lyons and Marley Watkins were brought into the side. Meanwhile, Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin made six changes to the side which wasblown away by Falkirk last Saturday. Dave Richards replaced Kucherenko following thelatter’s howler at Tannadice, whilst captain Ross Graham, Panutche Camara, Ryan Strain,and Max Watters all returned to the starting eleven. Following early pressure by both teams, the first key decision for referee MatthewMacDermid came 14 minutes into the match as, after a VAR check, Ethan Brown was judgedto have fouled Krisztian Keresztes in the box and Dundee United were awarded the penalty. Tobi Oluwayemi would emerge as the hero for Kilmarnock in this instance, as the Celticloanee would save Max Watters effort onto the post and deny the striker his fifth goal of theseason since joining the Dundee side in the summer. Kilmarnock would look to take advantage of Watters’ miss as 20 minutes later Keretzes’challenge on Marley Watkins would send the Englishmen onto the deck, and despite callsthat Watkins went down too easy Kilmarnock were awarded a penalty of their own. Dave Richards almost emulated Oluwayemi as he saved Bruce Anderson’s attempt with hisfeet, however the ball would roll back to Anderson to follow into the back of the net andgive Kilmarnock the lead. This was Anderson’s third goal in all competitions since the start ofthe season. Kilmarnock thought they had a quickfire second when Dundee United failed to deal withDominic Thompson’s freekick and Scott Tiffoney’s header was cleared off the line. Replays showed that the ball had in fact crossed the line, however the referee wouldinstead bring play back for a supposed foul against Dave Richards, much to the disapprovalof the home crowd, as Kilmarnock possessed the one goal advantage going into halftime. Dundee United needed a response for the second half, and less than 20 minutes into playthey would find it, as Ryan Strain and Luca Stephenson would link up well to find theonrushing Craig Sibbald, who would slot home his finish into the bottom corner to giveUnited their equaliser and get his third goal in five matches. In the final 30 minutes of the match, both teams would see spells of possession but a lack ofclear-cut chances and a busy MacDermid would blow his whistle for full time to see the finalscore as 1-1. This result would see Kilmarnock break their run of six straight losses and sit just above therelegation playoffs in tenth place. They face a midweek trip to the capital to play currentleague leaders Hearts, who are winless in their last three matches. Dundee United are four points off the top six with this result, and only one point aboveeighth placed Aberdeen. They host Rangers in their Wednesday night match, with thetravellers having won all four of their league games under new manager Danny Röhl. Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi, Deas, Mayo, Brown, Thompson, Lyons (c), Watson, Brown,Tiffoney, Watkins, AndersonSubs: Lowery, Kiltie, Thomson, John-Jules, Dackers Dundee United: Richards, Keresztes, Graham, Iovu, Ferry, Sibbald, Stephenson, Camara,Strain, Watters, SapsfordSubs: Fatah, Möller, Dolček Attendance: 4,263

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Dundee Utd 0-3 Falkirk: Bairns Terrific at Tannadice to Stay in Top 6

Dundee United 0-3 Falkirk Miller (3’) Kucherenko OG (22’)  Graham (63’) In the return from the international break, Dundee Utd hosted Falkirk at The CalForth Construction Arena with only 2 points separating the sides. It was the away side who started with no time to waste, following a fast counter where the ball fell to Calvin Miller, whose shot was parried by Yevhenii Kucherenko in the Utd net; however Miller was able to tap in the rebound to give Falkirk the lead after only 3 minutes played. Falkirk would continue to dominate, and 20 minutes later their second goal would come. Calvin Miller’s in swinging corner was dealt with horribly by the home side as Kucherenko punched the goal into his own net to double The Bairns lead. Dundee Utd would start to show signs of life as Krisztian Kereztes’ effort would fall into the hands of former Dundee keeper Scott Bain, and Amar Fateh’s header would rattle off of the crossbar to give the Dundee side their best chance of the half thus far. Referee Nick Walsh would blow for the halftime whistle as jeers rung around Tannadice giving manager Jim Goodwin much to think about as he prepared his side for a second half comeback. Into the second half Kristijan Trapanovski and Ryan Strain would enter proceedings as former Dundee Utd striker Brian Graham was issued a yellow card for his offence on Keresztes, Walsh was called over to the VAR monitor but decided against brandishing the red card. An hour into the game and Falkirk would once again gain control of the match, as good passing play from back-to-front led to an excellent pass from Calvin Miller to find Graham on the edge of the box, who cleverly rounded Kucherenko and passed the ball into the back of the net for Falkirk’s third goal of the match. This was Graham’s fourth goal of the season in all competitions since joining Falkirk in the summer. Former United captain Ryan Edwards was subbed on for Falkirk to make his debut at his old stomping ground. Falkirk would expertly see out the final 15 minutes of play to secure an important 3 points and rebound from their disappointing draw to Livingston before the break. This win keeps Falkirk in fifth place, 1 point above Motherwell and only 2 points behind Hibernian and Rangers are above them. They next face a trip to Ibrox next Sunday with the opportunity to move above an inconsistent Rangers with victory. After an abject display, Dundee United find themselves out of the top 6 in seventh place, 4 points adrift of Motherwell and 3 points ahead of eighth-placed Aberdeen. They prepare for a trip to Rugby Park as they play Kilmarnock next Saturday evening. Dundee United: Kucherenko; Iovu, Esselink, Keresztes; Stephenson, Sevelj, Sibbald, Ferry; Dolcek, Sapsford, Amar Fatah. Subs: Strain, Trapanovski, Möller, Watters Falkirk: Bain; Adams, Henderson, Allan, Lissah; Tait, Spencer; Wilson, Williams, Miller; Graham. Subs: Cartwright, Edwards, Agyeman, Ross, Oliver Attendance: 9,736

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Hearts 1 – 1 Dundee United: Stephenson header earns point for United at Tynecastle

Hearts 1 – 1 Dundee United Kucherenko (25′ OG)     Stephenson (45′) Hearts’ unbeaten start to the Scottish Premiership continued after a frantic draw against Dundee United.  It was a breathless start in front of a sellout Tynecastle crowd, but the first opening didn’t occur until the 7th minute. Ivan Dolcek slid Zac Sapsford through on Alexander Schwolow’s goal; the attacker cleverly dinked the Austrian goalkeeper to score, but play was brought back for offside. Tomas Bent Magnusson responded for Hearts in the 13th minute. A right-sided corner dropped kindly to the Norwegian on the edge of the box, and his sliced strike forced Yevhen Kucherenko into an important save. Pierre Landry Kabore, fresh off a brace against Dundee eight days ago, was next to test his luck. His left-footed strike had power, but drifted wide of the goal frame. Dario Naamo unleashed Amar Fatah behind the Hearts defence after 17 minutes. The Swede skewed his right-footed shot wide, but the play was brought back again for offside. Oisin McEntee ventured down the United left, and Kabore connected with his fizzed cross to head over, bringing an exhausting opening 20 minutes to a close. A Kucherenko own goal gave Hearts the lead after 25 minutes. Braga found Kyziridis on the edge of the box, and after shifting the ball onto his right foot, he curled a low strike which deflected in off the goalkeeper’s body. Dundee United carried a threat on occasion and grew into the first period. A looping backpost cross found Fatah, who cushioned his header past Schwolow’s goal in the 32nd minute. The visitors almost equalised on the stroke of halftime. Schwolow raced off his line to clear a loose ball, which cannoned off on the onrushing Dolcek. Luckily for Derek McInnes’s side, the deflection fizzed wide. The goal eventually arrived in the 45th minute. Fatah’s backpost corner kick delivery was headed back across the goal by Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson to spark mayhem in the away end. McInnes opted for a double change at halftime, as they aimed to cement a 10th league victory of the season by bringing on Stephen Kingsley and Michael Steinwender. The changes helped pen the visitors back, and Kucherenko gathered Steinwender’s looping header after 52 minutes as they searched for a second goal. United responded on the hour mark, Fatah drove at the Hearts’ backline, but his blazing strike went high into the Roseburn Stand. Premiership top goalscorer Lawrence Shankland volleyed over a Kyziridis’ cutback as the Tynecastle faithful spurred on their team. The tension was palpable as they aimed to maintain their nine-point league lead. United had the ball in the net in the 71st minute. Sapsford megged Stuart Findlay before drilling the ball across the goal for Fatah to tap home. Once more, play was brought back for an offside. Neither team were able to force the winning goal, and a point felt like a fair result. The Jambos move onto 30 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership, but their lead could be reduced to four if Celtic beat Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. Dundee United remain in the bottom six, but looked far better than their abject showing against Motherwell eleven days ago. They face Falkirk at Tannadice after the international break, with Hearts visiting Aberdeen the day after. Heart of Midlothian: Schwolow 6 McEntee 6 Halkett 7 Findlay 7 Milne 6 Magnusson 6 Devlin 7 Braga 6 Kyziridis 7 Kabore 5 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Steinwender 6 Kingsley 6 Ageu 5 Kerjota 5 Dundee United: Kucherenko 7 Iovu 7 Esselink 7 Keresztes 7 Naamo 6 Dolcek 7 Stephenson 7 Sevelj 6 Camara 7 Fatah 6 Sapsford 7 Substitutes: N/A

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