Dundee Utd 2
Dundee 0
League (First Division)

Match Report

Defeat for either side in the final derby of the season would deal a harsh blow to both City club's promotion ambition and in the end there was no doubting United's right to the spoils of victory. Kelham O'Hanlon for the injured Ally Maxwell was the only change from the side which was trying to pick itself up after the last two numbing minutes at Parkhead.

An compromising start by both sides saw little by way of clear-cut chances at either end. Maurice Malpas had a couple of efforts on goal and sandwiched between them was Hamilton header which sneaked inches past. The opening goal was obviously going to be vital and Gary McSwegan gets all the credit for the opportunism he showed on the half hour mark. The ball was played up to him on the edge of the box and the United striker chested it down to fire a low shot into the corner of the net. As the interval drew nearer, the visitor's goal came under increasing pressure and two minutes from the interval, Dundee's hopes suffered a severe blow when Chic Charnley maintained his 100% record in derby matches by making it two red cards in two derby appearances after elbowing the same player Robbie Winters.

Curiously, ten man Dundee had their best I spell immediately after the break. Gary McKeown hit a post from a Paul Tosh cross and Kelham O'Hanlon with just about his only save of the afternoon made a vital block when George Shaw had a clear view on goal. But United's second goal, 16 minutes into the second half, effectively killed off the match. Maurice Malpas found Gary McSwegan out on the left who bore in on goal, cut inside and released a pass straight into the path of Craig Brewster who side-footed home strongly from 12 yards.

There was one more incident of high drama. Jim Duffy, booked earlier, brought Gary McSwegan crashing to the ground and was automatically red carded for a second bookable offence to leave Dundee reduced to nine men and United in cruise mode for the rest of the game.

"It was another outstanding team performance but I've got to single out Grant Johnson. He has been superb this season - he has emerged as a vital player and is enjoying the responsibility." - Billy Kirkwood