Dundee Utd 4
Partick Th 1
League Cup (3rd Round)

Match Report

United started the game slowly with the Partick dominating the early possession and they won a couple of early corners. Just before the half hour United made their first chance of the night. Armstrong pounced on a loose pass from the visitors defence and he slipped a pass to Graham who was thwarted by the advancing Fox. Four minutes later and slightly against the run of play United took the lead. Ciftci found Paton on the right and his low cross into the box was misjudged by Balatoni and David Goodwillie was on hand to knock the ball past Fox. Shortly after United won a corner which Wilson took and found Butcher who volleyed over. With half time beckoning United doubled their advantage. Firstly Robertson set up Ciftci in the box and he tried to score at the near post but Fox turned the ball round the post. Wilson's resulting corner found the head of David Goodwillie and his header found the back of the net off the back post.

With 20 minutes remaining Elliot was booked for a rash challenge on Ciftci. The Turkish forward then shot from distance but his effort sailed well over the crossbar. United then went very close to extending their lead. Dow and Armstrong combined again and this time the keeper saved the shot from Armstrong . The ball fell back into his path and he crossed to Ciftci who headed inches wide of the target. That was Ciftci's last involvement of the evening as he was replaced by Ryan Gauld. The impressive Robertson then created a great chance for United but his fine cross just failed to find the outstretched leg if Goodwillie. With five minutes remaining United as good as booked their place in the next round. Armstrong was once again involved when his pass was well controlled by Goodwillie. United's on loan star turned and hit a shot that came back off the post but Ryan Dow was on hand to slot into the empty net. There was still time for two further goals. Firstly the lively visitors pulled one back when a cross to the back post was headed home by Christie Elliott. In the dying seconds Souttar came on for Paton and then with Thistle pressing United broke forward and a sweeping move involving Gauld then Armstrong resulted in David Goodwillie slotting the ball past the helpless Fox to secure a 4-1 win and his first hat trick since his return from Blackburn Rovers.