DUFC

UNDER21s SHARE POINTS WITH STRONG HEARTS SIDE

14th January 2004

For the second time this week Dundee United faced an away trip in the SPL Under-21 League and, against a strong Hearts line-up containing several regular first team players, Owen Coyle fielded a very young side.

In a 4-4-2 formation Tony Bullock played his first game since last October. The back four were Andy Hunter, Steven Anderson, Ross Gardiner and Steven Craig, with Kenny Jarvis, Steven Bell, Graeme Holmes and Danny Ogunmade in midfield. The front pairing was Aaron Conway and Stephen McGowan.

The young Tangerines had chances in the first half through Conway and McGowan but it was Hearts who took the lead through Wyness. After the break United scored twice with both goals coming from Stephen McGowan. The first was from a corner that was flicked on to the young striker to score from close in. The second came when Conway made a strong run down the right before laying in the cross for McGowan to net at the far post. United should really have won but a momentary lapse allowed Hearts an equaliser from Simmons.

After the match Owen Coyle was obviously delighted with the performance by such a young side against the much more experienced Hearts team. "In effect we were playing our Under-19 side in front of the experienced Tony Bullock. It was a good result for the boys and I was pleased with the enthusiasm and work ethic. There were a lot of positives to take from the match and we were pleased that Tony played the full ninety minutes after such a long lay off. Graeme Holmes did a good job in midfield again and young Ross Gardiner was excellent at the back."