Stranraer 0
Dundee Utd 2
Challenge Cup (1st Round)

Match Report

On a night reserved for European football, United made the longest possible journey for a domestic match as they made their debut in what was formerly the B & Q Cup. Some 35 years had elapsed since United's last visit to Stair Park which nestles in a public park, but will soon boost an impressive brand new 1,500 seater stand. Construction of that meant the floodlighting was out of commission and consequently the match had a 6.30pm start. Not that it took United long to take the lead. After 19 minutes skipper Dave Bowman sent in a measured cross and Craig Brewster rose to head home from 12 yards. With Stranraer rarely threatening, it was only a question of how many United would win by. Right on the interval came the best move of the game as Sandy Robertson and Neil Caldwell combined down the right and Ross did well to palm the former Coventry midfielder's angled shot round the post.

That was the last contribution from that pair, however, as they were replaced by Billy McKinlay and Robbie Winters after the interval. Craig Brewster went close with a glancing header five minutes into the second period, but the home side proved difficult to breakdown. Robbie Winters should have removed any doubt about the result after 61 minutes, but his shot past with the goal at his mercy. The substitute went closer with a header five minutes later, but his
header from Andy McLaren's cross was scrambled away by Ross. But with eight minutes left Billy McKinlay scored the long overdue second goal when Robbie Winters cross from the right fell into his path and he prodded the ball home from 12 yards.