MATCH REPORT | A PROMOTION PARTY AT TANNADICE
4th May 2024
LIVINGSTON 2
DUNDEE UNITED 1
3PM SATURDAY 20TH MAY
CINCH PREMIERSHIP
TONY MACARONI ARENA
Attendance: 2,612 (1,600 away)
Despite United drawing level, a goal either side of half-time secured all three points for the hosts on matchday thirty-six of the cinch Premiership.
THE TEAM TALK
After back-to-back defeats, Jim Goodwin made two changes to the starting eleven as we rolled the dice for Premiership survival.
Charlie Mulgrew was back in from the start after missing last week through suspension. Glenn Middleton was also named amongst the starters for the first time since February whilst there was further welcome news as Dylan Levitt and Peter Pawlett returned to the bench.
Ryan Edwards and Steven Fletcher were the ones replaced - the latter through injury.
AS IT HAPPENED
It was a fast start from the Terrors, who surged forward straight from the off. Middleton was the man involved down United’s right, beating Cristian Montano before driving into the box and cutting the ball across - only for it to be diverted wide for a United corner in the opening seconds. Jamie McGrath’s out-swinger was on course to find Loick Ayina before safe hands from Shamal George prevented the on-loan centre back from connecting.
Black shirts went roaming forward once more, this time a powerful run from Scott McMann had United numbers up down the left. A low ball across the box found Rory MacLeod who layed it off for Behich to strike - the ball again sent behind for a United corner which was well cleared in the end.
LIVI LEAD
United once again rued a defensive error as the hosts hit the front on eleven minutes. A long ball caused confusion between Ayina and Mark Birighitti, allowing Bruce Anderson to win the foot race and steal the ball. His initial touch took him wide of the goal but a clever lift with his left foot found the net from a narrow-angle.
After a quarter of an hour, Livingston had the ball in the net once more through Luiyi De Lucas - but it was ruled out for a handball in the build-up.
LEVEL IN STYLE
On twenty minutes, Ian Harkes pulled us level with a raker of a volley from the edge of the box - his second goal in his last three matches at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
After what looked like a game of aerial pinball, MacLeod kept the ball alive with a hook back into the danger area before it was knocked into Harkes’ path to smash home on his left foot from twenty yards - leaving George rooted to the spot!
It was almost déjà vu as Harkes lets fly with another volley with ten minutes until the break - this time however his strike was sent wide for a United corner. There were appeals for a United penalty as De Lucas sent the ball wide for a corner but it was nothing doing in the eyes of Don Robertson and VAR.
Montano almost hit a screamer of his own after the ball broke kindly for him on the edge of the United box. He let fly with a ferocious left-footed effort which had Birighitti beaten all ends up - thankfully from a tangerine perspective it whistled just wide of the postage stamp.
United gained control as the half drew to a close but failed to test George further - The only other flashpoint being Niskanen chopping down Montano resulting in a yellow card.
OUT THE TRAPS
As was the case in the first half, United were once again the team to start quickly. MacLeod looked menacing as he darted his way towards goal - being hauled down by half-time substitute Stephane Omeonga just as he looked to pull the trigger. Middleton took charge of the freekick from twenty-five yards but his effort was sent into touch via a deflection.
FALLING BEHIND
Again a long ball was United’s undoing as Livi went ahead for the second time of the afternoon. An aerial duel looked like it could have resulted in a United free kick as McGrath went down under a strong challenge. However, it wasn’t to be and the ball broke for Penrice who smashed home on his left foot.
Livingston looked buoyed with Anderson then going close to grabbing his second of the afternoon but dragged a shot from the edge of the box wide of the post.
ROLLING THE DICE
Jim Goodwin responded with two changes - Pawlett and Miller Thomson replacing MacLeod and Middleton. Levitt then entered the frame in place of Sibbald as we searched for an equaliser with fifteen minutes to play.
Don Robertson’s afternoon became busier, with Omeonga, Steven Bradley and Behich all being cautioned as time ticked on.
Deep into seven additional minutes, a chance fell at the feet of Pawlett from inside the box. If anything, he probably connected too well with his effort as the ball sat up for him - George smarlty spreading himself to keep the Lions ahead.
There was further action as Behich received a second yellow card and was dismissed for dissent before the full-time whistle.
POST-MATCH THOUGHTS
Jim Goodwin reflects on this afternoon's defeat in Livingston#LIVUTD | #cinchPrem | #DUFC pic.twitter.com/RssDDIzSTH
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) May 20, 2023
TEAMLINE
Starting XI: Birighitti, McMann, Mulgrew (88' Cudjoe), Niskanen, Sibbald (76' Levitt), Middleton (65' Thomson), Behich, McGrath, Harkes (88' Fotheringham), Ayina, MacLeod (65' Pawlett)
Unused subs: Newman, Djoum, Edwards, Freeman.
NEXT UP
This afternoon's results mean Premiership survival is still in our own hands over the next two matches.
The Terrors are back on home turf this Wednesday in our final home fixture of the 2022/23 cinch Premiership season. Kilmarnock are the visitors to Tayside in a finely poised fixture before we take on Motherwell at Fir Park next weekend.
As part of our 2022/23 Season Ticket benefits, all Season Ticket holders can bring a friend for free to the match. To do so, please visit our Ticket Office or contact 01382 833166 (option 1).
