Dundee Utd 3
Hamilton 1
League Cup (Quarter Final)

Match Report

Craig Levein made just one change to the side that deservedly defeated Rangers on Sunday with Grzegorz Szamotulski returning between the sticks in place of Euan McLean. With many sides in the past opting to rest players for the CIS Cup, the manager’s selection confirmed that this was indeed an extremely important match for the hosts, with a semi final slot at a very early stage in the season the reward. Visitors Hamilton, currently six points clear at the top of the first division, fielded the same starting eleven which had narrowly beaten Morton 1-0 the previous Saturday, with gaffer Billy Reid clearly looking to continue his players confident start to the season.

With eight minutes played, a neat pass from Sean Dillon allowed Robson the chance to play a ball into the danger area. Robertson was just beaten to the ball by a Hamilton defender however the ball broke kindly for Morgaro Gomis 20 yards out and the midfielder was unlucky to see a curling left foot shot rattle the underside of the bar and bounce away to safety. Within a minute however the United fans were celebrating the opening goal after a deep Robson cross from the right was cleverly headed back across goal and over Halliwell into the far corner of the net by Noel Hunt.
Second Half:

The second period started slowly, with Hamilton looking to close down the United midfield more in an attempt to cut the supply to the front line. With 15 minutes left on the clock and United in need of some inspiration, Robson curled a dangerous free kick towards the back post which Hunt wasn’t far from connecting with. The same combination were however to bring United the second goal in the 77th minute. Christian Kalvenes fed Robson down the left wing and his whipped cross was headed into the net by Noel Hunt who evaded his marker at the back post. Just when the home side thought they could relax a little Hamilton were thrown a lifeline when Prince Buaben handled a Brian Wake cross in the penalty area. Richard Offiong confidently placed the ball high into the corner reducing the deficit again to a single goal. It was a test of United’s character but they were to respond in the perfect manner as Noel Hunt completed his hat-trick in 85 minutes, side footing home a low Robson cross from close range.