Dundee Utd 1
Motherwell 2
League Cup (3rd Round)

Match Report

United were dumped out of the Coca-Cola Cup despite taking an early lead against their Premier Division opponents. There were surprises in the United formation. Jim Bett signed just before the match made his debut in tangerine and Brian Welsh was drafted in up front. Indeed the pair almost drew early blood when Jim Bett pushed the ball out wide to Andy McLaren and Howie did well to gather Brian Welsh's awkward downward header. But United did take the lead shortly afterwards when Sandy Robertson crashed in a dipping 25 yarder which came back off the bar and Robbie Winters ran in to head over Howie who was left stranded.

The signs were ominous even before Motherwell equalised. Ally Maxwell made a magnificent save from Paul Lambert, turning his shot round the post to prevent him scoring just a few minutes before the midfielder took a cross from Burns and buried the equaliser. Motherwell then dictated proceedings - Lambert hit the woodwork twice, but the fatal blow came early in the second half. Burns knock down from Martin's free-kick was missed by Christian Dailly, starting his first game of the season, and Dougie Arnott had time to pick his spot when left with a clear shot on goal.

United put in a blistering last ten minutes, but never really got the whites of Howie's eyes in their sights, most of their half chances being confined to long range shots from Billy McKinlay who twice had shots blocked by the massed ranks in front of him. So United's long run without a home win continued and now extended to seven games going back to the 25th February.

CLUB COMMENT - "I was disappointed to say the least. We just can't seem to get the second goal to give ourselves breathing space. Defensive Naivety let Motherwell back into the game and another mistake on our part handed them the lead and tipped the balance in their favour" - BILLY KIRKWOOD.