Falkirk 0
Dundee Utd 4
League Cup (Group Stage - Section 4)

Match Report

Just over 2,000 turned up to see this match where a victory for United would have seen them go top of their section.

United got into the thick of the action immediately and forced two corners in the first few minutes. However, their first real chance came after 14 minutes when a beautifully flighted cross on the left from Paul Sturrock found Davie Dodds unmarked and the big strikers net-bound header was brilliantly palmed down by Falkirk 'keeper Watson. The Tannadice men went in front in the 21st minute when Paul Sturrock crossed into the box and Dave Narey's strong header evaded the Falkirk 'keeper. A second goal wasn't long in coming and this time it was Paul Sturrock who fired through a bewildered home defence. United were now on easy street and playing neat football. Richard Gough was booked in 34 minutes for a harsh tackle on Tom Ward. There was a surprise substitute just before half-time when Sturrock was replaced by Ralph Milne.

Just two minutes into the second half and Maurice Malpas hit a fine 30-yarder into the net, which was his first goal for the club. Like the first half, just two minutes later United scored again. The fourth was a simple tap in by Ralph Milne. Graham Payne did the hard work and squared the bane to Milne with the Falkirk defence all at sea. The home team almost scored in the 52nd minute when Brian Brown hit the underside of the bar with McAlpine beaten. Falkirk made a substitution in the 65th minute when Colin Fowler replaced Mike Oliver and a minute later Gordon Wilson had his name taken for a foul on Malpas. Following the victory, United went top of their section. they were seldom troubled by the home side who had little way of stopping what was a free flowing United performance.