Dundee Utd 1
Livingston 1
League (SPL)

Match Report

United faced Livingston today at Tannadice in a ‘must win’ game for both sides that are desperate to retain their place in the SPL. United went into the game on a roll, having performed heroically in recent matches against the Old Firm and both Edinburgh sides. Another good turnout by the United faithful led to an optimistic air in the ground in the sunshine.

Livi kicked off the match with Vincze looking as if he had designs on taking control of the game in the early stages. However, it wasn't long before United started to dominate the midfield and possession. Stuart Duff’s cross was put wide for a corner then a probing run by McIntyre resulted in the referee overruling his assistant who tried to award a goal kick, much to the ire of the United supporters in the Shed. Grant Brebner fired over after good interplay between Duff and Robson as United continued to dominate the game. This dominance was deserving of a goal and we were not to be denied for long. Kenneth rose to power a header goalwards but ex-United striker Derek Lilley managed to header the ball away from underneath his own crossbar with McKenzie well beaten. The goal was not to be avoided however. A long ball was poorly defended by Bahoken under pressure from Crawford and when Kerr crossed the ball, Stevie Crawford sent a great diving header across the keeper and into the far corner of the net. United were in total control and a Stuart Duff shot was beaten away by McKenzie as United looked to double their advantage.

Within seconds of the restart, referee Toner controversially denied United what looked a good shout for a penalty. Jim McIntyre appeared to be fouled as he ran in on goal. The referee declined to award a penalty but took no action against McIntyre for diving, when there seemed little reason for the striker to fall down of his own accord. Livi’s 2nd half pressure eventually told as a Kachloul cross evaded Bullock who was under pressure from Lilley and Eric Delomeaux was on hand to score from close range. The United support tried to urge their side on as the games progressed. Bahoken was booked for a brutal challenge on Samuel as the Trinidadian bore down on goal before McIntyre joined him in the referee’s notebook for persistent fouling.