Hamilton 0
Dundee Utd 1 (AET)
League Cup (2nd Round)

Match Report

Douglas Park was the scene of an igniminious League exit four years ago and Accies gave little away and made us fight to the bitter end before we finally edged through thanks to a goal in extra time. Chris Myers made his Tangerine debut in a game which took a long time to come to life. All of what little first half action came in a spell immediately prior to the interval and Gary Bollan, who'd replaced the injured Maurice Malpas was the prime motivator in awakening the game from its slumber-like opening. First his first time volley was deflected for a corner and when the the ball came over Ferguson pulled off a fine save from another Gary Bollan volley.

The match finally sparked into life when Ferguson, Accies keeper brought Paddy Connolly down in the box. The united man was drifting out of the box, but there was little doubt about it being a penalty although Weir's remonstratlon with the United striker earned him a booking. When the dust had settled, Ferguson atoned for his error by saving Christian Dailly's penalty which lacked subtelty rather than power. United dominated to the end, but rarely looked like breaking down a home defence well marshalled by Weir.

After posing virtually no threat in normal time, Accies almost scored with their first attack of note two minutes into extra-time, but McLean blasted past when well placed. Shots from Billy McKinlay and Dave Bowman rained in on Ferguson as United upped the pace and Paddy Connolly sent a glancing header straight into Ferguson's arms. Eleven minutes into the additional period of play, only a magnificent save by Alan Main from Clark's diving header prevented Accies going in front and United went straight down the field to grab the goal which was to decide the tie. Christian Dailly's shot rebounded off Ferguson and Paddy Connolly stabbed the loose ball into the roof of the net. Thereafter there was more chance of United increasing their lead than Hamilton rescuing the tie, though Alan Main did have to dive full length to save McEntegart's low drive in the last incident of note.