Dundee Utd 5
Winterslag 0
UEFA Cup (3rd Round 2nd Leg)

Match Report

The conditions for the return leg against Winterslag in Dundee couldn't have been more contrasting from the rain soaked, mud-churned ones in Belgium, where United had held out comfortably for a goalless draw. Iain Phillip returned to the starting eleven, and after just two first team appearances, 19 year-old Maurice Malpas was given his European debut as the sides kicked off on a frozen Tannadice Park.

It was a slow start from United, taking eight minutes before they looked a serious threat. Paul Sturrock beat two men before hitting his shot over the bar. A Ralph Milne cross was then met by Paul Hegarty, who's header was held by de Bruyne. In the 17th minute, Malpas was close to scoring his first goal for the club, his first shot blocked and his follow up going narrowly past the post. The opening goal came after 24 minutes when a John Holt shot was blocked and Eamonn Bannon slammed in the rebound. Eight minutes later, Dave Narey advanced upfield to increase the lead, scoring with a header after his first shot spun up into the air after being blocked. His defensive team-mate Paul Hegarty made it three with a high floating header from a Paul Sturrock cross.

Both sides made changes at the interval, with United bringing on Ian Gibson for Holt. United continued to create chances with Sturrock coming close and Bannon forcing the keeper into a brilliant save from a header. Four minutes into the half, Ralph Milne met a Davie Dodds cross to head a fierce fourth goal. With the tie now dead and buried, Ralph Milne scored his second with twenty minutes remaining, leaving the keeper helpless as he converted an Iain Phillip cross. United's 5-0 victory was an historic occasion, as it eased them into the quarter-finals of a European tournament for the first time since their first European match in 1966.