Dundee | United win on derby day

Dundee 0 - 2 Dundee United

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin hailed the contribution of his players after they claimed victory in the Tayside derby.

Author | Jamie P

Stadium | Dens Park

View from the away end

Sapsford was afforded too much space in the box to steer his team into a first-half lead, one they rarely looked in danger of surrendering, extending their unbeaten league record at Dens Park to 2016.

The second half proved disjointed and lacked fluency, but the contest was effectively settled when Ivan Dolcek struck from close range with 15 minutes remaining to seal the visitors’ win.

A closer look at what happened

An early challenge from Will Ferry drew roars of approval from the travelling support as Dundee United pinned their hosts inside their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes.
Ivan Dolcek proved a constant menace, repeatedly driving at a disorganised Dundee defence and forcing blocks as the pressure mounted. 

Pre-match scenes

The breakthrough came when on-loan Liverpool defender Luca Stephenson surged down the right and squared for Zac Sapsford, who calmly side-footed United into the lead.

Steven Pressley’s side struggled to muster any threat going forward, with Yan Dhanda reluctant to shoot from distance and content to recycle possession around the edge of the area, a reflection of their lack of conviction.

United held firm at the back and, though a second goal looked uncertain for long periods, the result was settled late on when the impressive Dolcek rifled in a strike to wrap up their first league win of the season.

Dolček has been almost the perfect signing

Ivan Dolček’s four goals have taken him to the top of the Premiership scoring charts, underlining the 26-year-old United winger’s bright start to the season.

It was Dolček who struck the second at Dens Park, a performance in which he registered seven efforts on goal, more than any other player has managed in a single Premiership match this campaign.

On loan from Slovakian side Dunajská Streda, he already appears to be one of the division’s more astute signings.