Dundee Utd 0
Motherwell 1
League (SPL)

Match Report

United’s poor run of results continued with a single goal defeat to an in-form Motherwell side. Jim Paterson’s 16th minute shot proved to be the difference between the sides on an afternoon when the home side should have at least had a share of the spoils.

United skipper Derek McInnes failed to recover from his sickness bug and his place was taken in the starting line-up by Karim Kerkar. Stuart Duff retained his place in the defence with Chris Innes, Jason Scotland and Collin Samuel all listed as substitutes.

Paul Ritchie was handed the captain’s armband for the day. For the visitors, Kevin McBride came in to replace Phil O’Donnell in a line-up that included former United men David Partridge and Jim Paterson.

United kicked off the half shooting towards the East Stand. The first quarter of an hour was very evenly contested with both sides pushing for an opener, without any major opportunities. Barry Robson was the man most involved for United but the majority of his crosses were easily dealt with by the visitors. On 16 minutes Terry Butcher’s side did take the lead when Jim Paterson hit a swerving shot from 25 yards out and, although it did not appear to be a goal threat, the ball spilled out of Paul Jarvie’s hands and fell behind the line. United almost hit back when Grady was sent through but Marshall intercepted and cleared to safety. United were pushing and during the course of the first half forced five corners although they could not make this pressure count. In the last minute of the half, Motherwell had two players taken off injured with both Leitch and Clarkson going off. Their places were taken by Paul Quinn and Kenny Wright.

United started the second half looking determined to hit back straight away. There was a loud appeal for a penalty in the opening stages of the half when Jim McIntyre appeared to be fouled in the box, but referee Dougie McDonald waved play-on. The appearance of Jason Scotland certainly livened things up as United battled on for an equaliser. As much as they tried to level, they found Gordon Marshall in top form as he denied both Dodds and McIntyre. They went so close after 80 minutes when Brebner fed Robson, but the former Inverness Caley man was unfortunate to see his shot rebound off the post. On another day the ball would have nestled in the corner of the net. The final chance of the match was from a free kick when a thunderbolt from Alan Archibald was again blocked by the ‘Well goalkeeper.