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