St Johnstone 1
Dundee Utd 0
League (SPL)

Match Report

United boss Alex Smith included all four of his recent signings in the starting line-up for the first time, with Lauchlan, Fullarton, Miller and Naveda giving the team a fresh look.

Sylla was lectured in the first minute for a bad challenge on Naveda. McBride turned Aljofree in 10 minutes but shot well over the bar. Hannah appeared to be body-checked by Sylla soon after but the referee was having none of it. In 23 minutes Dasovic was booked for a late challenge on Charlie Miller but United waste the chance to create a scoring opportunity. In 25 minutes Partridge was also yellow carded for a late challenge on Sylla. United’s first attempt at goal arrived on the half hour when Naveda’s headed effort flew just past Main’s left hand post. A mistake from Lauchlan in the 38th minute nearly cost United a goal. He dwelled on the ball, lost control and was dispossessed by Parker who ran in on goal with only Combe to beat but screwed his effort wide.

Neither side made any changes at half time. Naveda’s cross in 46 minutes was headed tamely goalwards by the on-rushing McQuillan but it was straight at Main. In 48 minutes Dods headed just wide from a Sylla cross. In 62 minutes United had a strong claim for a penalty turned down when McQuillan was brought down in the act of shooting. Bollan, the culprit, was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card. With 10 minutes remaining, United went a goal down when Keigan Parker scored from close range in a goalmouth scramble after a corner into the box. In injury time Partridge was sent off for his second yellow for bringing down Sylla on the left wing.