Dundee Utd 1
Falkirk 0
League (SPL)

Match Report

United handed their supporters a late Christmas present with three deserved points in an entertaining victory over Falkirk. A solitary strike by Scott Robertson proved to be the difference between the sides, however chances were a plenty and the score line should have been far more emphatic for the home side. To make matters worse for the visitors they had their skipper Darren Barr ordered off for two bookable offences.

After a hard fought draw at Tynecastle Craig Levein made two changes to the United line up to face the Bairns. Mihael Kovacevic was replaced at full back by Sean Dillon and Warren Feeney returned in place of David Robertson who also had to settle for a place on the bench. United also had Francisco Sandaza listed as a substitute with the Spaniard approaching full fitness.

United went in at the break with a deserved albeit narrow lead. The goal came on the 22 minute mark through a fine finish from Scott Robertson following great work from Dixon and Feeney. United also had the ball in the net early on when Dixon crossed to Feeney who flicked the ball against the crossbar and Daly was there to knock it home. However United’s top scorer was ruled to be in an offside position. United were looking in the mood and also went close with further chances from both Robertson and Daly. In the opening period Falkirk created very little although with seven minutes of the half left the ball broke to Arfield and with only the goalkeeper to beat he smashed the ball high over the crossbar.

The second half provided plenty of talking points and minutes after the restart Zaluska saved well from Arfield before United broke up the park and Conway sliced an effort which came back off the crossbar. United were playing some brilliant football and on 56 minutes should have been further ahead when Dillon picked out Feeney who crossed to the head of Daly and he remarkably headed over from a couple of yards out. Six minutes later United again had a great opportunity but Feeney blasted over with the goal gaping. United were then robbed of a penalty when Barr brought down Feeney in the penalty box but the referee waved play on. Before the end United were almost made to pay for their missed chances when Arfield shot against the United post.