Dundee Utd 0
St Johnstone 0
League (SPL)

Match Report

United went in to their final home fixture of the season desperate to continue a run of form that had seen them remain unbeaten since the league split. They also attempted to keep the run going that had seen them have the upper hand over St Johnstone with win four games out of four so far in the campaign. With Saints now relegated, the pressure was off of the Perth side to put together an improved run of form. United knew that they would iir winning momentum going. Following last week's derby victory over Dundee it was Manager Alex Smith made just one change, Thompson missed out through injury and his place was taken in attack by Stephen McConalogue. Youngsters David Winters, Danny Ogunmade and Stephen O'Donnell provided attacking options to Smith on the bench.

Clearly full of confidence after the brilliant win at Dens, United put the St Johnstone defence under a lot of pressure during the early moments. However, it was the visitors who threatened first when Lovenkrands left wing cross in the 4th minute forced Aljofree to concede a corner. In the 20th minute Hartley beat three defenders on a fabulous forward run from midfield but his end product was poor and young McCracken cleared for United. The first period of the game saw the First Division bound side put on some pressure but the United defence looked very tight with McCracken and Lauchlan giving very little away. In the 32nd minute McConalogue turned Dods with some sheer skill and that earned a corner which saw Miller's kick headed wide at the back post by McCracken, Ten minutes before the break United went the closest to scoring when Aljofree at Cuthbert when he should have scored. The first half had produced some excellent football with both teams, containing several youngsters, trying to attack at every opportunity.

In the 47th minute Cuthbert had to race from his goal to block at the feet of Paterson, who had looked certain to score. As the game developed into a midfield battle, United boss Alex Smith made a change with young O'Donnell coming on for McConalogue. This saw the team altered slightly with Venetis moving inside and Miller moving into the aftaclc alongside Lilley. Some superb play on the.hour mark involving Aljofree, Easton and Paterson teed up Miller but his shot was blocked by some desperate defending by Dods. Saints replied in the 70th minute when Parker ran in on goal, only to be thwarted by some great goalkeepinq from lade and Winters late on and finished the game with youngsters Gallacher, Duff, McCracken, O'Donnell, Ogunmade and Winters on the pitch which provided clear evidence that the youth system is in great working order.