Dundee Utd 2
Motherwell 2
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

It's no secret David Syme isn't United's favourite ref, and once again the Tannadice side suffered from controversial decisions made by the Rutherglen official. The first came in the 79th minute with United leading 2-1. John O'Neil went past Thomson, who appeared to grab the winger's ankle. The only man in the ground who didn't think it was a penalty was the one wearing black. Another goal for United at that point would surely have clinched the match for them. But Mr Syme wasn't finished. Iain Ferguson looked at least two yards offside when he received the ball wide on the right. Again Mr Syme waved play on. Iain raced to the by-line and cut the ball back to Phil O'Donnell, who first timed it home. It was rough justice on a young United team. They'd shown a lot of skill and determination to come back into the game after going behind when Steve Kirk headed in a cross from McKinnon.

United equalised when Duncan Ferguson deftly laid the ball into the path of Alex Cleland. The young full-back hit a ferocious shot which swerved viciously on its way past Thomson. That goal gave United confidence, and they proceeded to play some of the best football of the match. When O'Neil sent over an in-swinging corner, Duncan Ferguson rose above everyone to nod the ball in at the back post. And United never looked in any danger of losing their grip on the game—until that late, controversial equaliser.