DUFC

UNITED DRAW AT PARTICK

29th December 2002

United ended a losing sequence of results when they drew for the third time this season with Partick Thistle. With Motherwell losing at Livingston, United closed the gap at the foot of the table to just one point although the Fir Park side have a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Manager Paul Hegarty selected a mixture of youth and experience for this afternoon's Bank of Scotland premierleague match with Partick Thistle.

Back into the side following injury came top scorer Steven Thompson with O'Donnell (pictured) also finding a starting berth.

UNITED: GALLACHER, LAUCHLAN, EASTON, MILLER, LILLEY, PATERSON (CUMMINGS 74), DUFF, THOMPSON, MCCRACKEN, WILSON, O'DONNELL SUBS: COMBE, MCCUNNIE, CUMMINGS, SMART, HAMILTON.

Thistle Manager John Lambie had two former Tangerines in his sixteen. Jamie Buchan started the match while Paul Walker was on the substitutes' bench.

PARTICK THISTLE: ARTHUR, BUCHAN, LILLEY, CRAIGAN, PATERSON (LENNON 75), ARCHIBALD, MITCHELL, CHIARINI, BRITTON, HARDIE, BURNS SUBS: BUDINAUCKAS, WADDELL, LENNON, WALKER, GIBSON.

REFEREE: A.FREELAND

United played in their green change kit in which they have a good record this season. Both defences were on top in the first half with United's midfield reluctant to get forward although the Tangerines were the better side in the first forty five with Stuart Duff hitting the bar.

HALF-TIME: PARTICK 0 UNITED 0

Thistle created a couple of chances after the interval for Alex Burns but the Partick player could not get the opening goal. The Jags put United under some pressure in the final fifteen minutes but the visiting defence held firm.

Thompson and Easton were booked for United. Paterson, Mitchell and Burns for Thistle.

Attendance: 5,109

For a detailed match report, click onto RESULTS on the menu bar on the home page.