Match Report - By Steven Mew

City made the short journey to the City of discovery yesterday to take on Dundee United in what was the first competitive match between the two sides for 30 years – Kevin Gallacher scoring the only goal of the game from the Arabs in a Scottish Cup tie at Glebe Park in 1987. In terms of league meetings you have to go away back to 1960.

When the fixtures were first released this was undoubtedly the match City supporters were looking out for, and the fans who travelled to Tannadice yesterday afternoon will have been delighted with the performance against their more illustrious full time opponents.

United have enjoyed a good start to the season, notwithstanding a defeat to bitter rivals Dundee in the Betfred Cup. Meanwhile City were looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Buckie Thistle in the Irn Bru Cup on Tuesday.

Manager Darren Dods made changes both tactically and in terms of personnel from the game midweek. In came Sean Crighton, Aron Lynas, Jordan Sinclair, Euan Spark and Kalvin Orsi with Gary Fusco, Ryan McGeever, Chris O’Neil, Ally Love and Isaac Layne making way. With injuries to several defensive players, Dods opted to go for a back four and an extra man in midfield.

City started the game brightly but it was the hosts that were first to threaten with 10 minutes on the clock. Scott Fraser cut inside from the right hand side and his curling shot forced a fine one handed save from Graeme Smith in the City goal.

The visitors grew into the game and had a few forays forward which gave the United defence something to think about. The impressive Kalvin Orsi beat his man down the left before supplying a cross-cum-shot which just evaded ex United youth Euan Spark at the back post.

City kept up the pressure and home keeper Harry Lewis had to be alert to gather at the feet of Paul McLean after the skippers surging run.

James Keatings had a 25 yard free kick palmed away by ‘Buzz’ in the 26th minute with the City rearguard on hand to block the resulting effort from Scott McDonald.

With half time approaching, City had the better of the play and could consider themselves incredibly unfortunate not to have taken the lead. A long throw from Aron Lynas caused havoc in the United box with two shots being blocked. Just minutes later, Jordan Sinclair’s cross from the left was deflected agonisingly onto the post by Mark Durnan and into the grateful arms of keeper Harry Lewis.

The half time break came at the wrong time for City however the momentum continued with the visitors early into the second half. Jordan Sinclair’s powerful volley from distance was tipped over the bar by Lewis. The players could smell blood and just two minutes later City came close again – Andy Jackson played a clever one-two with Orsi and his shot whistled past the far post.

The home side and their supporters, understandably rattled at this point after a period of sustained City pressure, started to come into the game again.

There was a let off for City after 70 minutes when a cross from Billy King down the left found the unmarked Durnan, but the defender could only guide his header wide of the goal. Two minutes later Smith had to be on hand to save at the back post from Stewart Murdoch.

United threw on Patrick N’Koyi for the injured Scott Fraser and the striker had a big part to play as the home side broke the deadlock ten minutes from time. A clever knock down from N’Koyi found Billy King on the right and his cross fell kindly for ex Celtic man SCOTT MCDONALD, his shot deflecting off the unfortunate Paul McLean and high into the net, just out of the despairing reach of Smith.

This was a real hammer blow to City who had defended so well throughout the game and could consider themselves extremely unfortunate to be behind.

N’Koyi continued to cause problems however and his excellent cross from the right was cleared for a corner with Scott McDonald lurking. The Zaire-born frontman almost got on the scoresheet himself but could only head wide from Billy King’s corner.

With time running out City almost grabbed a dramatic equaliser when Paul McLean’s volley from the edge of the box went narrowly over the crossbar.

The City players were applauded off the park by an appreciative away support having competed well against the league favourites and could consider themselves hard done by not to come away with a share of the spoils. If the players can sustain this level of performance in the coming weeks, a first win in the Championship won’t be too far away.

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Queen of the South 1 Dumbarton 0

Narrow win for the Doonhamers at Palmerston.