Stranraer 0
Dundee Utd 3
Scottish Cup (5th Round)

Match Report

For this cup tie at Stair Park, Dow and Erskine replaced the outgoing duo of Armstrong and Mackay-Steven, while Henri Anier also replaced Charlie Telfer as Jackie McNamara made three changes from the side which beat Aberdeen in last weekend’s League Cup Semi Final win over Aberdeen.

United went into this one undefeated in 2015 and only a professional job would see them continue that fine run. The game was fairly even early on with Stranraer looking spritely in attack but United looking solid defensively. It was a mistake in the Stranraer defence that gave United the chance to grab a lead. Grant Gallagher played a weak pass and Chris Erskine stole in ahead of the defender and nicked the ball through David Mitchell's legs for a birthday goal. Stranraer tried to get level soon after and they came close when a header from defender Scott Rumsby was pushed away by Radoslaw Cierzniak. It wasn't long though before United doubled their lead. Sean Dilon released Ryan Dow on the left wing and he was able to cut inside and chip over the 'keeper. Around a half hour into the game, United put the tie beyond doubt. Nadir Ciftci expertly supplied a through ball to Ryan Dow, and last week's match saviour rounded the keeper and rolled the ball home.

If supporters were expecting United to come out and run up a cricket score in the second half they were going to be disappointed. The team looked liked they were focused more on collecting their first clean sheet since the 1st of November. United played in a compact manner and denied the battle Stranraer any real glimpes of goal. Cierzniak had to look sharp to deal with a barrage of crosses into the box, but the nearest they came to a goal was a long range free kick from Aitken which Cierzniak collected. In the closing stages, United nearly made it four when a free-kick from a central position by Charlie Telfer was touched over as it swerved towards the top corner. United safely saw out the game to take their place in the quarter-final draw.

Manager's Comment:
"I thought we were clinical in the first half. Second half was a bit more scrappy and more kick and rush but you have to give Stranraer credit for that. The most important thing from our point of view is that we are in the draw tomorrow."

Fan's Comment:
"United played this game perfectly. Three early goals killed the tie and any risk of a giant killing or nerve jangling finish. I'd hoped Dow and Erskine would see the transfer moves this week as a real opportunity to go and grasp the mantle. They have the opportunity to be the next big thing out of Tannadice and become first team regulars. They certainly bossed this match today with goals and creative play. Here we go on another roller coaster cup run."

Away Support: 585

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