Dundee Utd 0
Motherwell 4
League (SPL)

Match Report

On an extremely disappointing afternoon at Tannadice, United suffered a shock 4-0 home reversal at the hands of Motherwell. The game was effectively over at the break with the visitors three ahead and in a low key second half the visitors added another to take a deserved three points back to Fir Park.

There were three changes to the United line up for the visit of Mark McGhee’s side. Returning to the line up were Scott Robertson, Warren Feeney and skipper Lee Wilkie. Dropping out were Darren Dods, Johnny Russell and Prince Buaben who ironically had all scored in the cup victory over East Stirlingshire.

United actually started the game the brighter and before 20 minutes were on the clock Warren Feeney twice went close. Firstly Smith saved a powerful volley from the Irishman and then from a fine Conway cross he flashed a header wide of target. From then on until the break it was all about Motherwell. In a mad 14 minute spell they scored three times. Mark Fitzpatrick started it with a header at the back post and then a deflected shot from Maros Klimpl doubled their advantage and then after a bad defensive mistake Clarkson rounded the United keeper and calmly slotted home.

With the home crowd looking for a quick goal at the start of the second period they were almost shocked further when Porter had an effort cleared off the line by Willo Flood. Although United were pressing hard they never really looked like getting back into the match and with 65 minutes gone the game was well and truly over. A slack pass from Swanson was collected by Fitzpatrick who teed up Porter and the in-demand striker drove the ball past the helpless Zaluska. Craig Levein used up all three of United’s substitutes in the second period but it was to no avail and the game was comfortably seen out by the Steelmen.