Falkirk 0
Dundee Utd 0
League (SPL)

Match Report

United and Falkirk scrapped out a goalless draw on a freezing cold afternoon at the Westfield Stadium. United had Roy O’Donovan sent off but deservedly held on for the remaining 35 minutes to secure a point on a difficult afternoon for the Tangerines.

After completing their passage to the semi finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup it was not surprising that Craig Levein made limited changes to the side to face Falkirk. In fact the only change was a straight swap with fit again Warren Feeney coming in to replace Francisco Sandaza who had to be content with a place on the bench. Falkirk also progressed to the last four of the cup with a midweek win over Inverness and they welcomed back Steve Lovell from suspension.

First Half:

The game took 20 minutes to spring to life and United had their in-form goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska to thank for not falling behind. The Bairns won a corner after a fine challenge from Sean Dillon. The resulting kick landed at the feet of Lovell who forced a save from the United keeper and the rebound fell to Aafjes and again the big Pole saved well to keep his side on level terms. United were offering little in attack but did have decent efforts firstly from Gomis and then from Roy O’Donovan. With five minutes of the half remaining the home side went close when Burton O’Brien was inches wide with an effort from the edge of the penalty area. United then broke up the park and Gomis latched on to a Conway cross and headed into the danger zone but Arfield cleared to safety with Warren Feeney waiting to pounce.

The home side started the second period more brightly and within five minutes of the restart both Arfield and Jackie McNamara had forced Zaluska into action. Ten minutes into the half the game then took a turn for the worse for United when O’Donovan was given a straight red card for a two footed tackle on Dean Holden. The Irishman appeared to get the ball but referee Iain Brines showed no hesitation in ordering him from the field. Despite being down to ten men United began to look more attacking and had efforts through Scott Robertson and then Craig Conway hit the side netting from close range. Falkirk then almost had the lead in fortunate circumstances when an Arfield cross almost found the net but Zaluska tipped over. With the visitors tiring Falkirk pressed for an opener but everything they threw at United was mopped up by a very solid and well organised defence.