UNITED FAIL TO SPARKLE IN DERBY DAY DEFEAT

United lost 2-1 yesterday to their closest, oldest and bitterest rivals Dundee FC.

Dundee’s first goal came from the penalty spot, converted by Steve Lovell, although all agreed, commentators and fans alike, that the penalty was a soft giveaway by referee Hugh Dallas.

The second game came after a blunder by David McCracken, letting John Sutton nip in to notch Dundee’s second – United’s Alan Archibald getting what can only be considered a consolation right at the death for United.

All in all a disappointing day’s work for Dundee United, in a game where we just never got going – and obviously all the more painful because of the nature of the opposition – but as Ian McCall has said – we didn’t play THAT badly – and we’ll play worse this season and win.

It has to be said though that United were favourites before the game, and Arab disappointment is high.

There’s a long season ahead though – time to pick ourselves up, starting at Livi next week, where a victory would set us up nicely as we don’t play either of the old firm till October, with a decent run of fixtures against Livi (A), Stranraer (CIS, H), ICT (H), Aberdeen (H), Motherwell and Killie (both Away), followed by Celtic at home on 2/10/04.

United will find some rhythm and form, but I do wish Ian McCall would stop being experimental (or just mental??) with his tactics? Billy Dodds in midfield? Would a veterean striker not be better used as a, well, veteran striker? Super-sub Doddsy? Last 20 mins or half hour? And why was Grady substituted? When we’re losing? Why take off strikers? I’m sure he has his reasons, but it won’t be long before people start questioning them – they are doing already. Come on Ian, play players where they play best.