Ciftci at the double in derby winDundee United missed out on the chance of getting into Europe despite a comprehensive 3-0 win over rivals Dundee in the Scottish Premiership at Tannadice.Jackie McNamara's side swept to victory thanks to Nadir Ciftci's first-half double, including a penalty, which was followed by Blair Spittal's clinching goal early in the second half.But they failed to capture fourth spot as St Johnstone leapfrogged them in the table after winning away to Aberdeen, leaving United to finish the campaign in fifth position.United lost the last derby 3-1 at Dens Park in April but it was the hosts who surged into an eighth-minute leadChris Erskine's ball over the top eluded the Dundee defence and Kyle Letheren raced off his line in an attempt to clear - but the goalkeeper allowed the ball to go through his legs and Ciftci pounced, taking a touch before slotting home from just inside the.Dundee were rocked by this and in the 15th minute defender Paul McGinn became the first player to be booked by referee Bobby Madden for a late lunge on Spittal.Luka Tankulic had an opportunity to put pressure on United keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak soon after - but his free-kick from 25 yards came straight back off the defensive wall.A few minutes later, Tankulic almost connected with Greg Stewart's driven cross into the box, only for United full-back Ryan McGowan to head the danger away.At the other end, United launched a breakaway with Erskine but he was cynically pulled back by Thomas Konrad, who was booked.The visitors almost equalised in the 28th minute, Stewart setting up Stephen McGinn, whose shot from 14 yards was parried by Cierzniak and gathered at the second attempt.However, in the 31st minutes United doubled their lead from the penalty spot
Robbie Muirhead's through-ball was intended for Ciftci before Thomas Konrad bodychecked the advancing United striker
The decision looked soft but Madden had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and up stepped Ciftci to send Letheren the wrong way from the spot.Dundee had their own appeals for a penalty in the 35th minute when they claimed Jim McAlister's ball into the box struck McGowan's hand, but Madden was not convinced.Kostadin Gadzhalov replacing Konrad for the visitors for the second half - but in the 49th minute the contest was effectively over as United got a third goal.John Rankin's defence-splitting through pass was perfect for Spittal to run onto and the youngster steadied himself before finding the far corner of the net.Dundee introduced Gary Harkins on the hour for Simon Ferry in a desperate hope to change things - but the home team remained in control.The last clear chance of the game came 17 minutes from time when United's McGowan saw his header from Erskine's cross graze the top of the crossbar
Source : PA
Source: PA