Motherwell 1
Dundee Utd 0
League (Premiership)

Match Report

United made a host of changes for this match with Motherwell in a bid to continue a run of four successive victories at Fir Park. There was a minute's silence for Remembrance Day which was observed impeccably by both sets of fans. The game marked the first in charge for Caretaker Motherwell boss Kenny Black.

United looked commanding in the first half of this game. As the half progressed, the skilful forward play of Connolly, Spittal, Erskine and Dow gradually put the visitors deeper into the Motherwell half. Last-ditch Motherwell challenges were required to stop both Dow and Townsend in front of goal then a looping Jaroslaw Fojut header hit the bar. Dan Twardzik then rushed out to force Spittal to poke wide then saved well from Erskine and Connolly. When Connolly finally evaded the Czech, the teenager was wrongly flagged for offside before firing off the post.

Early in the second half, Radoslaw Cierzniak parried a low Reid shot into the path of Lionel Ainsworth, who struck the post. United were behind soon after when Iain Vigurs's low drive evaded the reach of the Polish goalkeeper. United tried hard to get back in the game, but Motherwell were content to sit back and break up play. The Tannadice side did have their chances though. Townsend headed two crosses over the bar. With seconds left, Motherwell's Henrik Ojamaa was denied by Cierzniak.

Manager's Comment:
"It's a bit frustrating. I thought first half we were excellent. If I were to be critical we could probably have been better with our finishing. I can't fault the way we played tonight. We didn't deserve to lose."

Fan's Comment:
"It was really frustrating to watch the opportunity to remain top slip through our fingers again. Although we failed to take our many chances there was plenty of positive play with Connolly and Spittal again showing up well."

Match Photos courtesy of Riki Grauer - More photos available at:
Dundee United Official Flickr Page