Dundee Utd 0
St Mirren 2
League (SPL)

Match Report

Goals from Hugh Murray and Kirk Broadfoot handed United their first defeat at Tannadice since New Year’s Day. They were left with a mountain to climb when Noel Hunt was controversially sent off after 20 minutes following a challenge with Broadfoot. The defeat could have been worse had Derek Stillie not saved a penalty from Stewart Kean midway through the second half.

There were two changes to the United line-up with Mark Kerr returning from suspension in place of Greg Cameron and William Easton replacing the unfortunate Jon Daly. There was no place in the squad for Barry Robson so Lee Wilkie continued to deputise as captain. Surprisingly, given the importance of the game for the visitors, top scorer John Sutton was left on the bench for St Mirren.

The game started quietly but sprung to life on the quarter hour mark. Firstly Gomis fired a fine shot just over and then Hunt forced Chris Smith to make a good save low to his right. Hunt was then involved in a tussle with Broadfoot and amazingly after consulting his linesman, referee Kenny Clark issued the Irishman a straight red card. The visitors took advantage immediately when after an Andy Millen free kick was weakly defended, Hugh Murray slammed home to give the Buddies the lead.

The visitors looked the more likely in the second half and to be honest United struggled to contain the eleven men and had Derek Stillie to thank for keeping them in the game. Just after the hour mark Broadfoot burst into the United box and was fouled from behind by Kalvenes. Kean stepped up and hit his shot to Stillie’s left but the United number one made a brilliant one handed save. As the full time whistle approached the visitors looked particularly nervy but much to their relief with three minutes left they put the game beyond United when Broadfoot headed home from close range.