Dundee Utd 2
Dundee 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

The first derby match of the season produced one of the less exciting matches of recent years. However, in the end there was no doubting that United deserved their first League victory of the season. The warning bells were sounded for Dundee as early as the fourth minute. A mistake by newcomer Jim Duffy, allowed Paul Sturrock to break clear. His route to goal, however, was interrupted by Jim Smith just outside the box. Ian Redford's powerful free-kick was just wide of the target. United eventually went ahead in the 27th minute, Davie Dodds nodded down a cross to Stuart Beedie and his first-time shot beat Bobby Geddes and entered the net via the left-hand post. This gave United encouragement and from then until half-time they were in total command.

Seven minutes into the second half came the decisive goal and the build-up and finish was classical. Ian Redford started the move with a through pass to Stuart Beedie. Stuart spurted to the bye-line, and crossed for the onrushing Paul Sturrock to hammer the ball low past Geddes. After Paul Sturrock limped out of the game, it was Dundee who took the initiative, but they rarely threatened our two goal lead.