St Johnstone 2
Dundee Utd 1
League Cup (Quarter Final)

Match Report

United were sent crashing out of the CIS Cup at the quarter final stage going down 2-1 at the hands of St Johnstone in Perth. A goal from Steven Anderson and a Darren Dods own goal gave the Saints a two goal advantage. Prince Buaben pulled one back for United near the end but despite pressing for an equaliser the hosts held out on what was a bitterly disappointing night for the Terrors.

Despite being backed by a large travelling support United started the game on the back foot and with six minutes on the clock Deuchar should have had the Saints ahead but he headed wide from six yards out. United did come into the match mid way through the half but were limited to long range efforts from their front pairing of Cadamarteri and Goodwillie. Towards the end of the half former Gretna man Deuchar again had a great chance for the home side but on that occassion he blasted wide with the goal gaping.

Five minutes after the break the home side again almost went ahead when a Grainger throw found the head of Davidson but he headed over Steve Banks’s crossbar. The United support then had a loud appeal for a penalty when Cadamarteri went down in the box following a challenge from Rutkiewicz but referee Steve Conroy waved play on. With 20 minutes left the home side broke the deadlock. Sean Dillon conceded a corner kick and from Craig’s cross substitute Steven Anderson headed home. Four minutes later they doubled their lead when another dangerous Craig cross was not dealt with by the United defence and Darren Dods turned the ball into his own net. With time running out United set up a frantic finish when Buaben headed home a Kovacevic cross. In the dying minutes United threw everything at the home defence but unfortunately they held on to book a deserved place in the semi final.