Dundee United FC

[DavidMc]

Dundee United v Kilmarnock
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 10th November
Tannidice Stadium, Dundee
Kick-Off 15:00

Mark Kerr and Stuart Duff are vying to replace suspended Dundee United captain Barry Robson for Kilmarnock's visit.

United are also without defender Lee Wilkie, who was also sent off against Aberdeen, and Garry Kenneth will be his replacement on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska, Craig Conway, David Robertson and Keith Watson remain sidelined.

Grant Murray, Allan Johnston and David Fernandez are still missing despite Kilmarnock's injury list easing.


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Dundee United (from): Szamotulski, Dillon, Dods, Kenneth, Kalvenes, Flood, Kerr, Duff, Gomis, Buaben, Hunt, J Robertson, Daly, Russell, Robb, McCord, Pope, McLean.

Kilmarnock (from): Combe, Fowler, Hay, Wright, Lilley, Ford, Gibson, Bryson, Hamill, Koudou, Nish, Wales, Invincibile, O'Leary, Dodds, Skora, Locke, Jarvis, Taouil, Harpur, Clancy.

[DavidMc]

updated

[DavidMc]

Dundee United 2-0 Kilmarnock
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 10th November 07

Dundee United picked up all three points against a poor Kilmarnock at Tannadice to remain undefeated at home.
Noel Hunt opened the scoring after just eight minutes, latching on to a Darren Dods flick-on before driving home.

In a pulsating last 10 minutes, Hunt missed a penalty after Prince Buaben was tripped by Ryan O'Leary, then Buaben sealed it in the last minute.

Jordan Robertson was sent off trying to retrieve the ball from Alan Combe as United were awarded their penalty.

Dundee United had to make do without the suspended Lee Wilkie and skipper Barry Robson after their Pittodrie red cards last time out, Willo Flood was also dropped to the bench.

In came Gary Kenneth, Mark Kerr and Jon Daly who was making his first start in six months after rupturing his cruciate ligament.

For Killie, Craig Bryson and Ian Flannigan came in for the benched Willie Gibson and Jamie Hamill from the side beaten by Celtic last weekend.

The home side were keen to get back on the winning trail following their defeat to Aberdeen and they went in front after just eight minutes.

Kenneth's throw was flicked into the path of Noel Hunt by Darren Dods and Hunt took a touch before driving the ball passed former United keeper Alan Combe.

Hunt - called into the Republic of Ireland B squad for the friendly with Scotland's B team - scoring his eighth goal of the season.

Prince Buaben then saw a shot was well saved by Combe before Jordan Robertson somehow contrived to clip the rebound over the bar when it looked easier to score.

A Sean Dillon corner then found Darren Dods in the six yard box but his downward header bounced over.

Combe and Colin Nish took knocks but recovered as the Ayrshire men somehow made it to half-time just one behind.

Jim Jefferies refrained from changing things at the break and his side began brighter as the match got back underway but a cutting edge was still lacking.

Combe was forced back into action as he parried a Hunt free-kick before Robertson saw a shot blocked by Simon Ford.

Killie then changed things with Gary Locke, Rhian Dodds and Gibson entering the fray.

The longer the game went on the deeper United defended and the more encouraged Killie became.

Rhian Dodds' 20 yard strike flew just wide seconds after Szamotulski - still having not conceded at home this season - denied Gary Wales with another magnificent stop.

With just four minutes to go, United had the chance to seal the points as Buaben was taken down by O'Leary in the box.

Jordan Robertson - in trying to retrieve the ball from Combe - appeared to go head to head with the goalkeeper and received a straight red card.

It was United's third ordering off in two matches, their seventh of the season.

Hunt stepped up but somehow, Combe produced a sublime save to keep the spot-kick out, at the expense of a corner.

The game was over as a contest as the match went into injury time when Buaben slammed home from Hunt's cross.



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Dundee Utd: Szamotulski, Dillon, Dods, Kenneth, Kalvenes, Kerr, Gomis, Buaben, Daly (Flood 88), Hunt, Jordan Robertson. Subs not used: McLean, David Robertson, Robb, Duff, Johnny Russell, Milligan.

Booked: Daly.

Sent off: Robertson 86.

Goals: Hunt 8, Buaben 90.

Kilmarnock: Combe, Wright, Ford, O'Leary, Hay, Invincibile, Fowler, Bryson (Dodds 62), Flannigan (Locke 56), Wales, Nish (Gibson 67). Subs not used: Harpur, Lilley, Hamill, Taouil.

Booked: Combe, Wright, Ford, Invincibile.

Att: 6065

[DavidMc]

Dundee United v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 1st December 07
Tannadice Stadium, Dundee
Kick-Off 15:00

Prince Buaben and Noel Hunt are doubtful for United's game against Inverness at Tannadice.
Barry Robson and Sean Dillon are suspended. Jon Daly faces two months out with an ankle injury.

Inverness top scorer Dennis Wyness is doubtful with a hamstring strain for the trip to Tannadice.

Forward Graham Bayne returns from suspension but Steven Watt, Markus Paatelainen and Ross Tokely are all still out.



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Dundee Utd: (from) Szamotulski, Dods, Wilkie, Kenneth, Kalvenes, Duff, Kerr, Flood, Buaben, Gomis, Kerr, Hunt, D Robertson, J Robertson, Cameron, Robb, McLean, McCord.

Inverness: (from) Fraser, Hastings, McCaffrey, Munro, McGuire, Black, Duncan, Rankin, McBain, Cowie, Bayne, Wyness, Vigurs, Wilson, Niculae, McDonald, Brewster, Malkowski, Proctor, Hart, Kerr, McAllister.

[DavidMc]

Dundee United 0-1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle

A superb strike from Ian Black gave Inverness all three points in a hard-fought game at Tannadice.
Black's 25-yard shot sailed over Dundee United goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski and into the net after 19 minutes.

The hosts struck the bar through Willo Flood's cross and Garry Kenneth spurned two headed opportunities.

United staged a late rally, but Inverness almost doubled their lead when Szamotulski spilled John Rankin's shot, and held on for all three points.

United were without the suspended Sean Dillon, as well as Jon Daly and Christian Kalvenes who were sidelined with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.

A rib problem relegated Prince Buaben to the bench, with Steven Robb, Greg Cameron, Kenneth and Jordan Robertson all handed starts.

Inverness made two changes to the team who beat St Mirren 1-0 last week.

Rankin replaced Dennis Wyness, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Black was preferred to Barry Wilson.

Both sides started brightly and Morgaro Gomis fired a drive just over for the hosts.

Inverness took the lead after 19 minutes when Black sent a superb 25-yard shot over Szamotulski and into the net.

Jordan Robertson's shot six minutes after Black's opener forced Inverness keeper Michael Fraser into a routine save.

Flood struck the crossbar for United with a deep cross which beat Fraser, but stayed out. Flood's corner moments later was headed wide by Kenneth at the back post.

Kenneth spurned a great chance to equalise 10 minutes after the break when he headed Flood's cross wide.

Inverness were forced to defend deeper as the second half wore on and United committed more men further up the pitch.

United became frustrated at their lack of edge in front of goal and Wilkie was cautioned after 65 minutes for dissent.

The visitors almost doubled their lead when Szamotulski spilled Rankin's shot, but the ball crept by the post for a corner.

United's Mark Kerr had two opportunities late in the game to secure a point for the hosts, and Wilkie went close with a header.



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Dundee United: Szamotulski, Flood, Kenneth, Dods, Robb, Kerr, Cameron, Gomis, Robertson, Wilkie Robertson. Subs: McLean, Buaben, Duff, Russell, Milligan, Pope, Don.

Booked: Wilkie

Inverness: Fraser, Proctor, McGuire, Munro, Hastings, Cowie, Black, Duncan, Rankin, McBain, Niculae. Subs: Malkowski, McCaffrey, Wilson, Bayne, McAllister, Kerr, Vigurs.

Goal: Black 19.

Ref: I Brines

Att: 5,845

Shock result of the day. Craig Levein has done a great job at Dundee United. I personally think this will be a minor set-back for Dundee United. I expect them to continue to grow.

This will probably be a good wake up call to them.

[DavidMc]

Falkirk v Dundee United
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 8th December 07

Falkirk manager John Hughes has no fresh injury or suspension worries as he looks to build on last weekend's fantastic 5-1 victory at St Mirren.
Club skipper Jack Ross has returned to full fitness following a hernia problem and could start.
Dundee United striker Noel Hunt returns from injury, while Sean Dillon and Barry Robson are back from suspension.

However, Jon Daly and Steven Robb are out and Christian Kalvenes and Prince Buaben are both doubts for Saturday.



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Falkirk (from): Krul, Olejnik, Ross, Holden, Aafjes, Scobbie, Barr, Milne, Riera, Thomson, Cregg, Latapy, Arfield, Craig, Moutinho, Finnigan, Higdon, Barrett.

Dundee United: (from) Szamotulski, Dods, Wilkie, Kenneth, Kalvenes, Duff, Kerr, Flood, Buaben, Gomis, Kerr, Hunt, D Robertson, J Robertson, Cameron, Robson, McLean, Dillon.

[DavidMc]

Falkirk 3-0 Dundee United

Falkirk powered to a deserved win over Dundee United thanks to a fine first-half display.
The home side were ahead in only five minutes as Pedro Moutinho slotted home from a Darren Barr pass.

Although United came back into the match, the Bairns doubled their lead just before the break through a Graham Barrett header.

Falkirk sealed the win with a headed goal from Michael Higdon midway through the second half.

It had taken only five minutes for the deadlock to be broken, as Moutinho took advantage of Barr's lofted pass to slide the ball between the legs of Grzegorz Szamotulski and score his fourth goal in three games.

Scott Arfield was next to go close with a darting run into the box, nutmegging Darren Dods in the process, but a superb tackle by Lee Wilkie ended the youngster's progress.

Arfield then flighted a free-kick into the box and Barr sprang the United offside trap before unleashing a volley from 15 yards that Szamotulski held.

United then passed up a glorious chance of an equaliser with their first effort on goal, as a Barry Robson corner fell for Sean Dillon, only for the full-back to head over from only three yards out.

The Taysiders were coming back into the game and Mark Kerr's fierce drive from the edge of the box cannoned off the top of the crossbar.

Falkirk goalkeeper Tim Krul had to turn a right-footed effort from Morgaro Gomis round the post as United began to dominate towards the close of the first half.

Against the run of play, Falkirk doubled their advantage just before the break, as Graham Barrett met a Higdon cross at the front post to head home.

It was more of the same as the second period got underway, as Moutinho turned both United centre halves in the box before unleashing a shot that flew past the post.

Direct from the goal kick, Moutinho forced Szamotulski into another good stop with a shot from the outside of his right boot that the Pole turned past the post.

Noel Hunt almost brought the visitors back into the match after loose play by Fakirk's Steven Thomson, but his shot was weak and Krul was able to palm the ball out for a corner.

Falkirk all but killed the game as Barrett sent over a cross from the right that Higdon bulleted home with a strong downward header.

It was almost four for Falkirk shortly after as Moutinho laid the ball off neatly to Arfield, but the teenage winger sent his shot narrowly past the post.

Szamotulski then had to make a smart save as Barrett headed from close range from another Higdon cross.

Hunt had one last chance to grab a lifeline for the Taysiders, but his right-footed volley from Gomis' cross was saved by Krul.



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Falkirk: Krul, Aafjes, Holden, Barr, Milne, Cregg (Riera 88), Arfield, Thomson, Moutinho (Latapy 83), Barrett, Higdon (Finnigan 84).
Subs Not Used: Olejnik, Allison, Craig, Scobbie.

Goals: Moutinho 5, Barrett 41, Higdon 66.

Dundee Utd: Szamotulski, Dillon, Duff, Wilkie, Dods, Flood, Kerr (David Robertson 74), Gomis, Robson, Hunt, Jordan Robertson.
Subs Not Used: McLean, Cameron, Kenneth, Buaben, Johnny Russell, Milligan.

Att: 4,803

[DavidMc]

St Mirren v Dundee United
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 15th December 07
Love Street, Paisley

St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson has revealed midfielder Stephen O'Donnell faces three months on the sidelines after breaking his metatarsal.

The injury is similar to the one suffered by O'Donnell's team-mate Richard Brittain, but otherwise Saints have a full squad.

Scotland Under-21 player Garry Kenneth will cover for the suspended Lee Wilkie for the Tangerines trip to Love Street.

Christian Kalvenes is out but Craig Conway is in contention for a place.

[DavidMc]

St Mirren 0-3 Dundee United

Second-half strikes from David Robertson, Noel Hunt and Willo Flood gave Dundee United a handsome victory at Love Street.
Robertson opened the scoring after a poor first half, rifling home from Barry Robson's cross to break the deadlock.

Hunt then scored from a Flood cross before St Mirren were reduced to 10 men with Hugh Murray sent off.

Flood then drilled a shot past Chris Smith and United held on for the win.

Buddies boss Gus MacPherson started with the same 11 that earned a point against Celtic at Parkhead last week. There were changes afoot for the visitors as Tannadice boss Craig Levein dropped off-form goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski to the bench.

Youngster Euan McLean came in between the sticks in place of the Pole, as Mark Kerr and Jordan Robertson both dropped to the bench.

Dundee Utd started well, and Noel Hunt caused problems in the St Mirren defence with an early header from a Robson corner, however Billy Mehmet was able to clear.

Flood then passed up an opportunity for United, heading wide from only six yards.

St Mirren improved as the first half continued, with Mark Corcoran becoming influential in the attacking third and he sent a speculative effort narrowly over the bar.

United were profiting from cross balls, and Darren Dods perhaps should have done better when Chris Smith flapped at a Robson cross, but the defender put his header well over.

Hunt then had another chance, but his headed effort from around the penalty spot was comfortably over the bar.

The visitors took the lead after the break as in-form Robertson fired home a right-footed effort from Robson's cross.

St Mirren upped the tempo in a bid to grab an equaliser, and veteran Andy Millen tried his luck with a right-footed shot just inside the box, but United keeper Euan McLean was equal to the effort.

Ian Maxwell was next to try his luck, but his left-footed drive went wide of McLean's left-hand post.

It was Dundee Utd who claimed a second goal however, as Hunt slotted home from close range from a Flood free-kick.

The game then slipped away from St Mirren as they went down to 10 men after Hugh Murray saw a second yellow for a foul on Robson.

Things then went from bad to worse for the Buddies as Flood drilled a right-footed shot from the right side of penalty area past Chris Smith to seal the points for United.



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St Mirren: Smith, van Zanten, Millen, Maxwell, Reid, Murray, McGinn (Kean 57), Mason, Miranda (Molloy 65), Corcoran, Mehmet. Subs Not Used: Howard, Potter, Burke, Brady, McCay.
Sent Off: Murray (81).

Booked: Murray.

Dundee Utd: McLean, Dillon, Dods, Kenneth, Duff, Gomis, Flood, David Robertson (Kerr 80), Robson, Buaben, Hunt. Subs Not Used: Szamotulski, Conway, Cameron, Jordan Robertson, McCord, Don.

Booked: Gomis.

Goals: David Robertson 49, Hunt 77, Flood 90.

Att: 3,490

[DavidMc]

Dundee United v Gretna
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 22nd December 07
Tannadice Stadium, Dundee

Final Score 1-2

Gretna picked up their first Premier League away win to make it a double success over Dundee United this season.
Gretna were gifted an early goal with keeper Euan McLean losing control of a pass-back, allowing Kenny Deuchar to steal the ball and roll it home.

Noel Hunt hit back with a header on 29 minutes but Nicky Deverdics put the visitors back in front before half time with a simple close-range finish.

United pressed throughout the second half but Gretna held on for the points.

Gretna remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League but have reduced the gap to seven points.

United showed more than the necessary amount of Christmas spirit as they allowed the visitors to settle into the game and presented Gretna with a soft goal.

Deuchar's anticipation was rewarded when he stole the ball from McLean's toes and scored with the minimum of fuss.

Hunt nodded United's equaliser, connecting with Dillon's cross to head past Tony Caig.

The same player then drew a fine save from Caig with a shot from an acute angle, before David Robertson pushed the rebound wide from 18 yards out.

Despite that brief spell of United pressure, it was Gretna who went into the interval in front as Deverdics pounced to knock in a Deuchar header across goal from Horwood's expert delivery.

United took the game to their opponents following the restart but their early efforts were all off target, as attempts on goal from Willo Flood and Garry Kenneth landed wide.

Robson then launched a powerful drive towards goal that was met by a brave block from Collin, before the United captain set up Hunt with a glorious opportunity to once again restore parity.

However, the striker somehow flicked the ball over the crossbar from less than six yards out.

Caig had dealt confidently with everything that United had thrown at him up until the 76th minute, but when he pushed the ball into Robson's path, the Scotland international looked sure to score.

Robson's first touch was good as he created space to shoot but he could then only find the side-netting at the near post.

The home side hurled the ball forwards in the closing stages, but Gretna were not to be denied the victory.



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Dundee Utd: McLean, Dillon, Kenneth, Dods, Duff, Flood (Jordan Robertson 66), Buaben (Conway 74), Gomis, Robson, David Robertson, Hunt. Subs Not Used: Szamotulski, Kerr, Cameron, Fleming, Don.

Booked: Hunt, Kenneth.

Goal: Hunt 29.

Gretna: Caig, Cowan (Barr 61), Innes, Collin, Horwood, Deverdics (McGuffie 71), Murray, Skelton, Yantorno, Makinwa (Jenkins 87), Deuchar. Subs Not Used: Fleming, McGill, McLaren, Buscher.

Booked: Cowan, Innes, McGuffie.

Goals: Deuchar 12, Deverdics 42.

Att: 6,304

Ref: C Richmond

Shock result. Dundee United were playing well but they have fallen away over the past few weeks. Craig Levein will want to sort this out as soon as possible.

[DavidMc]

Dundee United v Celtic
Scottish Premier League
Wednesday 26th December 07
Tannadice Stadium, Dundee

Dundee United defender Lee Wilkie will return from suspension.
United have no fresh injury worries, but Christian Kalvenes, Lukasz Zaluska and Keith Watson are still out.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has hinted at a return for out-of-favour Bobo Balde after criticising his defence following the 1-1 draw with Hibernian.

Goalkeeper Artur Boruc, defenders Mark Wilson, Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe and John Kennedy, plus midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, are still out injured.



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Dundee United (from): McLean, Dillon, Wilkie, Kenneth, Dods, Duff, Flood, Jordan Robertson, Buaben, Conway, Gomis, Robson, David Robertson, Hunt, Szamotulski, Kerr, Cameron, Fleming, Don.

Celtic (from): Mark Brown, Caldwell, Pressley, Riordan, McManus, Naylor, Scott Brown, Donati, Jarosik, Hartley, McGeady, McDonald, Vennegoor of Hesselink, McGovern, Conroy, Killen, Sno, O'Dea.

[DavidMc]

Motherwell 5-3 Dundee United
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 29th December 07
Fir Park, Motherwell

Motherwell consolidated their place in third spot by sweeping aside nearest challengers Dundee United at Fir Park.
The home side made a whirlwind start, with Stephen Hughes drilling home before Chris Porter's clever header.

Ross McCormack smashed in a third with just 17 minutes gone, while United's David Robertson powered in a header before the interval.

David Clarkson added a header and a sensational chip, while Noel Hunt bagged two late consolation goals.

Managers Mark McGhee and Craig Levein are among the front-runners for the vacant Scotland post and, on this evidence, the Motherwell boss has certainly stolen a march in that race.

Motherwell responded in positive style after two consecutive losses, while United slumped to their fifth defeat in six outings.

Goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski may be regretting his decision to stay with United until the end of January since he was offered very little protection in a breathtaking start to the match.

Motherwell simply tore the visitors apart with their sharp once-touch passing and the Pole made an early save from McCormack before the striker cleared the crossbar with his next shot.

Steven McGarry then fired narrowly wide before good work from Clarkson set up Hughes for the opener.

The former Rangers and Leicester midfielder ran out to a smart cutback and rifled a shot beyond Szamotulski from 15 yards out.

Clarkson was again involved in the second goal when he laid the ball off to Jim Paterson, who crossed from the left for Porter to guide a header home from the centre of the penalty area.

Levein's side were undone again when McCormack had time to take the ball on his chest before blazing in a volley from close range after Szamotulski had blocked Porter's header.

Dundee United made two substitutions after just 23 minutes, throwing on Garry Kenneth and Robertson, with the latter reducing the deficit before half-time.

With towering defender Lee Wilkie pushed into attack, United got a foothold in the match when Robertson threw himself at a Sean Dillon cross to bullet in an impressive header.

Robertson was denied a second early in the second half, with keeper Graeme Smith diving bravely at his feet as he charged on to a Wilkie knock-down.

However, Motherwell stretched their lead again when Clarkson nodded home from a whipped free-kick from McCormack on 53 minutes.

Two minutes later, Clarkson grabbed his second goal with a wonderful chip over the stranded Szamotulski.

United battled away gamely and skipper Barry Robson clipped the crossbar with a strong shot from 18 yards.

The visitors were rewarded when Willo Flood's cross into the danger zone saw the ball fly home, with Hunt claiming the strike as he challenged with Phil O'Donnell.

Wilkie then spurned a glorious chance, somehow heading wide of a gaping goal from six yards.

And that miss was to prove costly as United pulled back yet another scrappy goal, with Smith flapping at a cross and Hunt again applying the final touch.



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Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson, McGarry (Lasley 77), Hughes, O'Donnell (Fitzpatrick 78), Clarkson (Darren Smith 85), Porter, McCormack. Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Corrigan, Brian McLean, Murphy.

Booked: McCormack.

Goals: Hughes 11, Porter 14, McCormack 17, Clarkson 55, 56.

Dundee Utd: Szamotulski, Dillon, Wilkie, Dods, Flood, Gomis, Kerr, Buaben (Kenneth 24), Robson (Conway 72), Jordan Robertson (David Robertson 24), Hunt. Subs Not Used: McLean, Cameron, Duff, Milligan.

Booked: Dods.

Goals: David Robertson 36, Hunt 75, 90.

Att: 5,227