Dundee Utd 0
St Johnstone 2
League (Premiership)

Match Report

A big change was announced ahead of this game with the Manager replacing the out of form, Rado Cierzniak with his fellow Pole, Michal Szromnik. There were three other changes from the defeat at Killie with Fojut, Paton and Butcher returning. Erskine and Telfer dropped to the bench with the injured Callum Morris missing out completely. Former United favourite Danny Swanson started on the bench for the visitors.

St Johnstone started the match well and O’Halloran almost found the head of Chris Kane in a dangerous position early in the game. United then had an effort as Anier fired wide of target. With ten minutes on the clock the visitors took the lead. It started with a good save from Szromnik as he prevented a Wotherspoon shot getting past. However, from the corner the ball fell to Michael O'Halloran and his effort somehow evaded the United keeper, slipping through his hands and into the net. Ciftci had a couple of chances to get United level but could not convert either. His first effort was deflected wide and the second, blocked by Easton. Two minutes before the break United were two down. MacKay slung in a cross for Michael O'Halloran and he made no mistake, doubling the Saints lead.

Six minutes after the break St Johnstone almost made it three when Dave MacKay fired over the crossbar after latching onto a clearance. United brought on youngsters Spittal and Telfer for Butcher and Rankin in an attempt to kick some life into the team. MacLean was next to threaten, shooting wide at the back post. Ciftci was United's only threat and a long run from the striker ended with a shot that was well saved by Mannus. Connolly and Ciftci then combined to set up Dixon who screwed his left foot shot wide. United made one last chance to salvage a goal but Paul Dixon fired a free-kick over in the dying seconds.

Manager's Comment:
“I think the first goal is always crucial against them. It gives them something to hang on to. It was disappointing, the first goal we lost and, to be honest, the full game. There was no fluency. It was stop-start with free-kick after free-kick. As we've seen before, they are always a difficult team to play against when they get the first goal. I wouldn't blame Michal. When you see the goal again he could have done better. We just have to look forward to Tuesday's game with Inverness."

Fan's Comment:
“Safe to say this was the worst performance of the season. No fight whatsoever. The decision to drop Rado backfired somewhat. Worrying.”

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