Dundee Utd 1
Dunfermline 0
League Cup (Quarter Final)

Match Report

A solitary Scott Robertson strike in the first half was enough to hand United a semi final place in the Co-operative Insurance Cup in a hugely entertaining and hard fought victory over SFL outfit Dunfermline.

There was one change to the United side that started at the weekend against St Mirren. Goal scorer Roy O’Donovan came in to replace the injured Jon Daly whilst Darren Dods kept his place despite a nasty cut to the head during the weekend win. An experienced Dunfermline side, managed by former United favourite Jim McIntyre had ex-United keeper Paul Gallacher in their line up.

On a bitterly cold evening at Tannadice, United took a while to warm up but on the 15th minute mark they had a chance when O’Donovan was unmarked in the penalty area but he failed to control and the ball was cleared. A minute later they did break the deadlock when Flood did well on the right and his cross fell into the path of Scott Robertson who slammed home from 12 yards. The Pars were looking dangerous and almost levelled when Wilkie kicked the ball against Kirk and the ball spun past Zaluska but fortunately hit the outside of the post. Towards the end of the half Conway had a tremendous long range effort that Gallacher tipped over.

Within minutes of the restart both sides went close when firstly Glass curled an effort just over for the visitors and then United responded when O’Donovan lobbed the ball over Gallacher but the ball nestled on the roof of the net. Zaluska then came to United’s rescue when he brilliantly saved a point blank effort from Bayne after good work from Kevin Harper.

United were then twice foiled by the woodwork when firstly Dixon was unlucky to see a free kick come back off the post and then a solo effort from Flood resulted in the Irishman hammering the ball off the underside of the crossbar. In the dying seconds the large Pars support thought their side were going to force extra time when Stephen Glass lashed in a superb volley but United’s keeper pulled off a remarkable save to seal United’s place in the last four.