Dundee Utd 3
Kilmarnock 1
League (Premiership)

Match Report

The home side made 5 changes from the team that played well but lost at Motherwell prior to the international break. Souttar, Rankin, Dow, Spittal and Connolly all dropped out and Dillon, Telfer, Mackay-Steven and Ciftci were drafted in.

At Motherwell, United started well but failed to capitalise on their first half domination, today was very different. After just 5 minutes, Armstrong fed through a wonderful ball for Nadir Çiftçi, who fired a low drive across Craig Samson and into the far corner to put United 1-0 ahead. The first half was full of end to end play and a number of red blooded challenges as both sides battled to strengthen their position prior to the interval. Manuel Pascali equalised for Kilmarnock late in the first half when Rory McKenzie's strike rebounded off the post and Pascali side footed through a crowded penalty area into the net. United went straight back on to the attack and Stuart Armstrong powered goal ward, exchanging passes with Erskine before firing into the bottom right corner from 16 yards.

Dundee United, eager to notch their 7th home win of the season, played some excellent football in the second half. Robbie Muirhead's long range effort almost levelled things soon after the break. The two goal scorers were causing all sorts of problems and soon after Armstrong teed up Ciftci for a close range effort which Samson saved well. It was Armstrong who was next to threaten, but Samson saved low to deny him. Ciftci's sparkling performance began to dull as the game rolled towards half time and he was replaced by Aiden Connolly. It was Aidan Connolly himself who wrapped up the points with a tap-in from Blair Spittal's cross on the counter-attack.

Manager's Comment:
"It was important to get the victory, especially at home. There was a lot of good stuff today, as there was in the Motherwell game, but we managed to score three goals. The goal gave everyone a lift. It was disappointing to lose that the way we did but the lads kept at it, kept playing football and kept causing them problems. It took right to the last minute to get the third crucial goal to seal the victory but I don't think it was anything less than we deserved today."

Fan's Comment:
"Our home record this season is phenomenal. The seven wins and a draw have been crucial in achieving the league position we currently hold. We continue to bounce back well from defeats, more often than not winning the subsequent game. Ciftci and Armstrong were looking better today which augers well and although surprised to see Connolly miss out today, it was great to see him get a goal."

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