Dundee Utd 1
Inverness CT 1
League (Premiership)

Match Report

There was a lot riding on this match with United facing the prospect of losing 5 league games in a row for the first time since Craig Brewster's reign. However, there were signs of optimism from the number of chances created in their previous match at home to Kilmarnock. Inverness arrived also struggling to find form in the league after winning the Scottish Cup the previous season.

United made an impressive start to this match in glorious September sunshine. On the front foot from the off, United hemmed Caley in their own half. It was no surprise that after just 8 minutes the home side took the lead. Darko Bodul played in Ryan McGowan down the left and the Australian's cross into the box was met by John Rankin. The midfielders effort was blocked but Billy Mckay was first to get to the ball and knock it over the line. United should have doubled their lead four minutes later. Bodul again set things moving when he found Callum Morris who in turn played in Rankin just eight yards out. With the goal gaping, Rankin's shot was blocked by Owain Fon-Williams in the Inverness goal. McKay came close again, forcing the visitors' keeper to beat away a stinging shot.

It was all Caley after the interval as United sit deeper and deeper as the match progressed. In the opening minute Ryan Christie was fouled just outside the box as he charged towards the United goal. Casey continued to mount pressure on the United back-line and it finally paid off from a set play. A corner from the right evaded the majority in the 6 yard box, but Josh Meekings stormed in at the back post and headed with great force back across the 'keeper and into the far corner. United thought they had nicked all three points with just a few minutes left when substitute Murray scored from six yards but the flag had already been raised for offside.

Manager's Comment:
“We'll keep believing and keep doing things properly. The biggest thing is fear in not getting that second goal. The game should have been over at half-time, it's not. We had a chance from a corner and it hits the post and the side netting, that's the way things have gone for us.I want to win, I want to win every game. It doesn't matter if you're at the top, the bottom or the middle. It doesn't change anything for me, I want to win games of football."

Fan's Comment:
“United started well and for the first 15 minutes, there looked to be only one winner. However, the confidence looked to drain from them as the match progressed and you could see the Inverness goal coming a mile off. Scott Fraser looked excellent, Bodul looked much improved, but Dow is in need of break to rebuild his confidence it looks like. It's far to early to talk about a relegation battle but it may be too late now for a European spot challenge.”

Formation: 4-1-4-1
Captain: Seán Dillon
Arab Archive 'Man of the Match': Scott Fraser

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