Ryan Gauld - Baby Messi?

On the 16th December 1995, a boy was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. Little did anyone know that this boy was going to be the next best thing to come out of the Dundee United Youth System at the young age of 17. Ryan Gauld is his name.

Ryan started out at his local side Brechin City Boys Club along with friend and now team mate John Souttar. The young left winger from Laurencekirk came up through the Youth system at Tannadice, and was part of the Under 15s team that won the Aberdeen International Football Festival in 2008. Signing on full-time at Tannadice in June 2011, he was playing regularly at Youth and Under 19 levels before he began creating and scoring regularly for the Under 20s, and was also rewarded with call ups to the National Under 17 and Under 19 Scotland squads, still only at the age of 16.

In the final match of the 2011-12 season, Ryan was given a place on the bench against Motherwell at Fir Park, where he came on late to make his first team debut, and impressed many during the few minutes he was on the pitch. During the summer he was involved with the first team squad in their pre-season matches against Dundee, Everton and Raith Rovers, and came off the bench again in September against Ross County at Tannadice, again earning much praise for his display while still starring regularly for the Under 20s side during this time.

Photo;Gauld during his first season of first team squad

He signed a contract extension along with childhood friend John Souttar in January 2013, and with new manager Jackie McNamara coming in and the first team squad being hit with injuries, Ryan was given a longer spell in line-up, appearing as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Dundee at Tannadice in March, before scoring his first goal for the first team in his first start, in the 1-1 draw with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. On 16 December 2013, Ryan agreed a contract extension securing his future at the Club until 31 May 2017.

Throughout his career at Dundee United he also managed to get a few international appearances. On 6 November 2013, Gauld was called into the Scotland Under-21 squad for the first time, for the match against Georgia in November 2013. He has also been capped eight times at Under-19 level scoring two goals throughout his run in the 19s squad which he is still able to play for.

I have personally watched Ryan develop throughout his career at United. Watching him go through the 20s before he became a big shot and moved up into the first team on a regular basis. 

Photo;Gauld after scoring his first senior goal for the club

On a player view, he shows that he does work hard in training and that really shows on the pitch. During his time playing in the 20s that I saw. It was very clear that he was ready to be involved in the first time because he had shown so much experience and ability to play at a higher level that he was. It was the same with Scotland when he got called up for the 21s squad. He was lucky enough to be playing with 3/4 members of United which made his time away even more comfortable for him. Due to him and Souttar being childhood friends and playing most of their career's together they are able to work together in training and on the park. This really helps Ryan improve because he knows that he can count on knowing how at least one of the defenders play if he is playing a sitting striking role or even in his desired role as a left winger. 

However, on a more personal level. I have watched Ryan break into the first team as well. I have been lucky enough to meet him on a few occasions and I have to say he is good at getting photos with supporters. If he manages to keep himself grounded when he moves on to a bigger club and when football becomes all about money then he will go far in the came. As he is a young talent and has got a massive future ahead of him.

I think he is baby Messi because he shows great skill throughout games. This shows that he works hard on tactics to get away from players in training. He is definatly one of the players to look out for along with childhood friend and team mate John Souttar.

Photo;Myself and Gauld

Rangers extend their lead at the top with a win over Forfar

Starting XI (Forfar): Douglas, Fusco, Campbell, Faeroe, Dods, Malcolm, Kader, Fotheringham, Templeman, Hilson and Swankie
Subs: Campbell, Andrews, Malin, Baxter, McCabe, Dale and Hill
Booked: Fusco, Baxter, Campbell and Swankie
Subs Used: Baxter, Malin and Campbell

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Starting XI (Rangers): Simonsen, Faure, Wallace, Foster, McCulloch, Mohsni, Aird, Law, Daly, Shiels and MacLeod
Subs: Little, Cribari, Templeton, Gallacher, Crawford, Murdoch and Telfer
Booked: Faure, Wallace, Mohsni, McCulloch and Law
Subs Used: Templeton

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My Man of the Match: Gavin Swankie

Forfar make no changes to the starting XI that won 3-0 against Stenhousemuir on 11th January. However, Dick Campbell's side do reduce their bench removing McLelland and Hay from it. Rangers make three changes to the team that won 2-0 against East Fife on 11th January. Bell is swapped for Simonsen, due to Bell being allowed to have a night off for the arrival of his first child. Gallacher is brought back to be Simonsen's back-up keeper. Foster is replaced by Little and Black is ruled out of the match due to being booked to many times.

Forfar started off the game pretty poor compared to previous games. With Rangers taking most of the opportunity with the ball. However quickly Forfar managed to get back into the game by putting pressure on the Rangers goal. This came in the form of four corners in a row, these corners never managed to come to anything though.

Forfar run however didn't last very long as Rangers managed to get back into the game. Neither side got chances of scoring. It ended up being a pretty even next fifteen twenty minutes.

The last second of the half involved both teams having possession, with Forfar gaining just that little bit more each time they had a set piece to play from. An outstanding attempt from Swankie nearly put Forfar into the lead as they went into the break however, it was held well by Simonsen.

Half Time Forfar 0 - 0 Rangers

photo;A brilliant save from Simonsen as Forfar try and take the lead


With the first half being full of action, the 2,067 strong crowd had a hopefully view for the second half. It was equal as they went into the break and looked like anyone could break through at any time. In my opinion I would personally see Forfar breaking through more than Rangers as they came into the break.

As soon as the second half kick off it was all Forfar. This didn't last long. Rangers were showing their experience and talent. With Faure, Aird and McCulloch just to name a few that were having attempts on goal. At this point it looked like Forfar were going to be going down heavy by the final whistle.

This was right as Rangers kept pressing Forfar until Mohsni managed to get his head on a fourth Rangers corner.

Goal 1 (Bilel Mohsni, 75th minute): A corner from Aird, was crossed into the box which met Mohsni's head and he managed to blast it passed Douglas. To give Rangers the lead with 25 minutes to go.

After Rangers were a goal up Forfar thought it was time to get back into the game. They still had a chance and wanted to make it count if they could get even a point out of the game.

Forfar began to pull out all stocks to gain a point from the game. Attempts from Templeman and Swankie were both held by Simonsen. Rangers however kept pushing and showed Forfar what the team had.This came in a form of a Templeton goal.

Goal 2 (David Templeton, 90th minute): A right footed effort from the centre of the box. Blasted it past Douglas who wasn't able to do anything about it going in. This meant that Forfar's winning streak had came to a end with a two goal defeat to Rangers.

The game ended with a Rangers win after 4 minutes of extra time.

Full Time Forfar 0 - 2 Rangers

photo; my man of the match in action against Shiels


The game was quite even with Rangers just having that wee bit more possession. For a part-time club to play a full-time club Forfar did really well at holding Rangers back. Both of the Rangers goals were unstoppable but the Forfar side could have done more to stop them further up the park. Overall, it was a fantastic game to watch and would happily say that Forfar are promising to gain a space in the League One Play Offs.

Attendance: 2,067

My man of the match was Gavin Swankie because he really shows week in week out that you don't have to be a full time player to have skill and manage to play against a full-time squad. In this game alone he managed to help Dundee United loanee Dale Hilson to try and have shots at goal and have got link up play with him.

Dean Shiels and Fraser Aird also did brilliantly together. Aird being only 18 and managing to get game time which is allowing him to improve every week. Shiels is also just recently back from injury and is now finally gaining his first team place. They are both showing that they are worthy to be in the starting XI.

Chris Johnston - A player to watch?

On the 3rd September 1994, a player that has the potential to change the face of Scottish football for young stars. His name you may ask? Chris Johnston.

Chris started out as a Rangers youth player but got realised due to the fact he wasn't going to go anywhere at Rangers. Thankfully one of his local clubs Kilmarnock took him in and managed to put him to good use. He went through the 20s ranks and managed to break through to the senior team under the watchful eye of old manager Kenny Shiels.

He made his first team debut during Kilmarnock's 2-0 victory over Motherwell, on 24th March 2012 at the young age of 17. Since then he has become a regular in the first team squad under Kenny Shiels and now Allan Johnston he is still a regular after his spell of being injured due to a dislocated shoulder early on in this season.

Photo; Chris with the Young Player of the Season award last season

I personally have met Chris once but he is so down to earth and will be happy to speak to fans of other teams as well as fans of his own club. On a player note, he has shown that for being only 18 when he made his debut for top league club Kilmarnock after going through the Under 20s team. I personally find him a player to watch because he has shown many years of experience over his actual age. Week in week out, he's create changes for himself and team mates, he manages to speed his way up the park to get into spaces to score goals. With him being smaller than many of the players in the Kilmarnock team comes with many advantages as well as disadvantages. An advantage would be that he can get into spaces easily to receive the ball and make it easier to help the other players on the park up the park towards goal. A disadvantage however is the fact he can get tackled so easily, he is a strong lad but with him being considerably smaller than most defenders, makes it easier for them to push him down. This is only a minor issue and with this minor issue comes major advantages.

Photo; Chris during a match 

I'm lucky enough to have watched Chris play throughout the past few seasons as he has broke through into the first team more regularly. It shows that the youth system in Scotland can really benefit smaller clubs who maybe don't have the money to bring in more experienced players. 

I hope that Chris can move on to bigger and better things in his career once he has grown confidence and experience at Kilmarnock. 

Photo;myself and Chris Johnston

Terrors manage to gain a point from the Hibees

photo; one lucky wee girl getting Goodwillie's match worn top after the match

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Wilson, Robertson, Paton, Souttar, Gunning, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Ciftci, Gauld and Armstrong
Subs: Dillon, Butcher, Goodwillie, Graham, Erskine, Dow and McCallum
Booked: Robertson
Subs Used: Dillon, Graham and Goodwillie

Starting XI (Hibernian): Williams, Forster, McGivern, Robertson, Nelson, Hanlon, Cairney, Craig, Collins, Heffernan and Stevenson
Subs: Tudur-Jones, Maybury, Handling, Murdoch, Stanton, Zoubir and Cummings
Booked: Robertson
Subs Used: Stanton and Tudur - Jones

My Men of the Match: John Rankin and Paul Paton

Dundee United don't make any chances to the starting eleven that went down 2 goals to 1 against Aberdeen on New Years day. Hibernian make one change to the team that won 2 goals to 1 in the Edinburgh Derby on the 2nd January, Cummings getting swapped for Heffernan.

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With the match looking as if it was going to start of stronger than the previous matches United had played. Rankin was the first to have an attempt on goal. For the first 7 minutes it wasn't a massive threat coming from either side.

A delay coming from a Craig injury saw the match delayed for a couple of minutes. After this delay, for the next 10 - 15 minutes it was mostly Hibs that were playing the better football. With two chances coming from Collins and only one from Ciftci.

Leading up to the opening goal, it looked like Hibs were going to get the early lead and it came in the 37th minute.

Goal 1 (Hibernian, Liam Craig, 37th Minute):  A bad pass from United sees Heffernan, pass the ball through to Craig. Who becomes one on one with Cierzniak. He blasts it past into the back of the net.

Goal scorer Craig had another injury which delayed the match again. However, this was the last action of the match and Hibs went into the break with a one goal advantage.

photo; Robertson in action



Half Time Dundee United 0 - 1 Hibernian

United started off the second half like the stronger team, with Gauld, Armstrong and Rankin all getting chances but all missing their chances. Heffernan also missed his chance.

With no other action occurring before Souttar gave away a penalty to Hibs.

Goal 2 (Hibernian, Penalty, Liam Craig, 60th Minute): A push down from Souttar, allowing Craig to get a penalty. He steps up to the spot. Slots it home with Cierzniak being send the wrong way and United trail 2 goals to none.

With United finding themselves two goals down they showed that they really needed to get back into the game so they can at least gain a point out of it. Corners, free kicks and attempts. Nothing coming of them though. This repeated throughout the next 20 minutes until United gained a goal back.

Goal 1 (Dundee United, David Goodwillie, 82nd Minute): Ball drops from a long pass from the defence. It drops to the path of Goodwillie, who passes it back to Graham. Graham goes into the box, squares it to Goodwillie who puts it into the back of the net to bring United back into the game. This could potentially be his last goal in a United shirt at Tannadice.

With United now 2-1 down they only needed one more goal to gain at least a point from the game. An attempt from Mackay-Steven was just wide of the post. A shot from Rankin was just to high.

Goal 2 (Dundee United, Brain Graham, 90th Minute):  A fabulous cross from Dillon, allows Goodwillie to have a shot. It just goes short to Graham who is waiting on the 6 yard line. Manages to slot it home and United are back level as we approach full time.

Full Time Dundee United 2 - 2 Hibernian

photo; GMS and Goodwillie, celebrating after Goodwillie scoring his goal.



A game that changed rapidly throughout the 90 minutes. It ended up being an even game in the end and United finally managed to get back onto winning ways starting with a draw. They now go into the two away games up in the Highlands on a happier note than the last few games.

Attendance: 7862

My men of the match were Paul Paton and John Rankin because they work fantastic together. They both put so much effort into the game and know what to do while the rest of the team are trying to get into a space to gain possession. With them both being defencive midfielders they know how to defend the ball while they make sure the team are doing well. A brilliant partnership that I hope continues to be put into place for the remainder of the season and hopefully seasons to follow.

Dons prove difficult for Terror

The display the United fans put on as teams came onto the park

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Wilson, Robertson, Paton, Souttar, Gunning, Mackay-Steven, Rankin, Ciftci, Gauld and Armstrong
Subs: Dillon, Goodwillie, Erskine, Dow, McCallum, Graham and Gomis
Booked: Wilson and Paton
Subs Used: Gomis and Graham

Starting XI (Aberdeen): Langfield, Hector, Hayes, Flood, Anderson, Reynolds, Jack, Robson, Vernon, McGinn and Pawlett
Subs: Shaughnessy, Smith, Wylde, Low, Weaver, Magennis and Shankland
Booked: Flood and Magennis
Subs Used: Magennis and Shaughnessy

My Man of the Match: John Rankin

photo;man of the match in action


Dundee United make 7 changes to the side that got beat 3-0 by St Johnstone on the 29th December,  with Gomis, Erskine, Paton, Graham, Dow and Goodwillie being dropped to the bench to allow room for Rankin, Armstrong, Mackay-Steven, Ciftci and Souttar. With Butcher and Watson being out of the team due to suspensions. Aberdeen make 2 changes to the team that beat Ross County 1-0 on the 29th December, Shaughnessy and Low being dropped to the bench to allow room for Anderson and Robson.

With Dundee United looking for their first win in the festive period they try and start of the first half strong, however this doesn't work as Aberdeen are the first team to get the chance in the first half coming in only the 3rd minute. Aberdeen were looking to keep their winning running going.

The first 20 minutes, were pretty open with both sides, having chances, gaining free kicks and having possession for long periods of time. As we approached the 30 minute mark it looked like it was going to be a pretty open game, neither side had, had a proper attempt on goal even though corners looked threatening from both ends.

The finally 15 minutes of the first half, looked like Aberdeen were going to get the break through however, the United defenders managed to keep the Aberdeen strikers at bay. Both sides only had two real chances in this period for United Gauld and Robertson had attempts on goal. For Aberdeen Pawlett and Vernon had their shots stopped.

A very open but violent first half saw both teams go into the break level. It is still a wide open game at this point. Both teams making the most they can with the weather conditions

Half Time Dundee United 0 - 0 Aberdeen

photo: Souttar and Gauld celebrating his first senior goal


After an open first half, Aberdeen were trying to make the break through, through Jack and Pawlett in the opening 5 minutes. Cierzniak makes a fantastic save from Pawlett to allow United to get up the park.

Goal 1 (Dundee United, John Souttar, 50th Minute):  A corner from Wilson. Floats it in right footed. It drops to Souttar who is not being defended. He manages to tap it into the back of the goal to give United the break as they approach the hour mark.

After United had manged to make the break through, Aberdeen seem to settle down for a bit and just have free kicks given to them. This was the only action between goals.

A hand ball from Robertson leads to a penalty for Aberdeen.

Goal 1 (Aberdeen, Penalty, Barry Robson, 64th Minute): Robson floats the ball over the top of Cierzniak, hits the back of the net and Aberdeen are back level with 35 minutes remaining.

With both teams now being back level, United seem to sit down and let Aberdeen run about the park. This would turn out costly for United. For the remainder of the game it was all Aberdeen, with all the chances coming from them.

Goal 2 (Aberdeen, Peter Pawlett, 90th Minute): A free kick that is floated into the box, Graham tries to clear it but Cierzniak manages to save it but not enough. Pawlett manages to get a head on it and its into the back of the net to give Aberdeen the 3 points in the dying minutes of the game.

The final kick of the ball was an attempt from Graham which was missed. It was too late for United to take a point from Aberdeen. A poor game from United with the only real threat coming before Souttar scores his goal.

Full time Dundee United 1 - 2 Aberdeen

photo; Cierzniak trying to save Robsons penalty. 


Attendance: 12,601

The New Firm Derby proves a difficult task for United, with loosing out to a late goal from a Pawlett header. It was poorly defended, but onwards and upwards. Dundee United were to laid back and allowed Aberdeen to have most of the possession. After they equalised Aberdeen were running rings around United. Hopefully this gets sorted and we go into the Hibernian game on the 5th January, stronger than we have been for the past few games.

My man of the match was John Rankin because he managed to gain the ball back and defend well as well as going froward with the ball trying to get the Terrors up the park. In recent weeks, Rankin has proven that he is worthy of a place in the Starting XI, every week. This week it was a close call for man of the match with Paul Paton also becoming a real asset to the squad. Both players can defend the ball well and manage to allow players to get into a space that they need to get into.

Terrors miss out to Dons

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Watson, Robertson, Paton, Dillon, a Gunning, Ciftci, Rankin, Goodwillie, Armstrong and Gauld

Subs: Butcher, Graham, Mackay-Steven, Wilson, Dow, McCallum and Gomis

Booked: None

Subs Used: Dow, Graham and Mackay-Steven

Starting XI (Aberdeen): Langfield, Shaughnessy, Reynolds, Flood, Anderson, Considine, Hayes, Jack, Zola, McGinn and Pawlett

Subs: Vernon, Smith, Robson, Wylde, Low, Weaver and Hector

Booked: Langfield, Anderson, Shaughnessy and Considine 

Subs Used: Robson, Hector and Vernon

My Man of the Match: Andrew Robertson

Photo; my man of the match in action 

The first ten minutes of the game were very equal with the game going from one end to the other but nothing coming of the chances that either side were getting. United began to look like the better and stronger team as play was mostly in the Aberdeen half and they were pushing the Aberdeen defence but not managing to get the goal that was so close to coming. The whole of the first half was a very foul related with both teams getting foul after foul.

United kept pushing right up to half time, they earned corner and free kick after each other. Aberdeen however kept getting free kicks as well. It turned into a pretty even game by the end of the first half. It ended at half time level peggy.

Half time Aberdeen 0 - 0 Dundee United

Photo;young Ryan Gauld in action

The second half began with Aberdeen looking like the stronger team starting. This resulted in corner after corner for Aberdeen.

Goal Aberdeen (Zola, 53rd minute): A right footed shot from the centre of the box allowed Zola to knock the ball into the bottom right corner.

With United being a goal down this sparked a run of efforts on goal. United began to look like the better team again. Goodwillie getting an effort on goal but it just going wide with one of his effort. Other effort from Goodwillie was just unlike to miss a sitter of a goal. Ciftci, Gauld and Mackay-Steven also has efforts in this half but none coming of anything again.

Nothing else much happened during the second half. It ended with United looking the better team on paper but not on the score sheet thanks to a Calvin Zola right footed strike which allowed Aberdeen to take all three points from the game.

Full time Aberdeen 1 - 0 Dundee United

Photo; Nadir Ciftci in action

My man of the match goes to Andrew Robertson because he showed again that he is worthy of a place in the first team. A regular place at that. Again in this match he shows that he has such a good experience for being the young age of 19. He has shown that he can bring the ball down the park and put it into the back of the net. He can also show that he can set up goals for others. All the qualities that he has shown throughout the time he has been in the first team. Robertson puts 100% effort into every single match and it pays off.

Photo; the United fans at Aberdeen

Attendance: 12,654 with 1800 roughly being Dundee United supporters

United show Kilmarnock how it is done

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Wilson, Robertson, Paton, Souttar, Gunning, Armstrong, Rankin, Ciftci,, Gauld and Mackay-Steven

Subs: Dillon, McCallum, Watson, Gomis, Dow, Goodwillie and Graham

Booked: None

Subs Used: Gomis, Graham and Goodwillie

Starting XI (Kilmarnock): Samson, Clohessy, Tesselaar, Pascali, Irvine, Barr, Gabriel, Johnston, McKenzie, Boyd and Slater

Subs: Nicholson, Clingan, Gros, Reguero, Ibrahim, O'Hara and Ashcroft

Booked: O'Hara and Gabriel

Subs Used: Gros and O'Hara

My Man of the match: Andrew Robertson

Photo;my man of the match

Kilmarnock make four changes to the team that got beat 2-0 by Motherwell, Gardyne having to come out of the team all together due to loan agreements stopping him playing against Dundee United. Clingan, O'Hara and Nicholson all dropping to the bench. McKenzie, Jacobs and Winchester are also dropped from the team due to it being a cup game and having a restriction on subs they can have. Dundee United don't make any changes to the team that beat Partick Thistle 4-1.

United began the first half very quickly with gaining a free kick as soon as play begins. Ciftci right footed shot just went wide of goal. Then Johnston gave away a corner to United, this came to nothing though. No action occurred until all the chances as we approached the 15 minute mark.

A shot missed by Armstrong and Ciftci, along with a shot that was blocked from Gauld were the chances from United. A chance from Boyd was the only chance from Kilmarnock which Cierzniak managed to easily save. Kilmarnock looked liked the better team until United broke the dead lock as they approached the half hour mark.

Goal one (Dundee United, Andrew Robertson, 26th minute): Rankin takes drives forward looking for the run of Armstrong. Armstrong just manages to flick the ball. Robertson is waiting and drives it into the back of the net. Giving United the early lead.

Photo;young Gauld in action

Kilmarnock try to get back in the game with a shot that was saved by Boyd. However, Dundee United however keep pushing the Kilmarnock team back. With Armstrong missing a shot and having one saved by keeper Samson. That is the only action in the first half. United go into the break with a small lead..

Half time Dundee United 1 - 0 Kilmarnock

The first half was a very poor half, Dundee United may have the lead but it is a very narrow lead at that. It is a replay of the Partick Thistle game where they are leading at the break but looked like they were going to bring Kilmarnock back into the game in the second half. However, Robertson done well in putting United ahead. The United fans were brilliant throughout the whole of the first half and just hoped it would continue in the second half as the '12th man' doing well to keep the team going.

The second half kicked off and Kilmarnock were looking stronger and ready to fight for the place in the Fifth Round. As soon as the half kicked off Kilmarnock gained two goals, which brought them straight back into the game.

Goal one (Kilmarnock, Darren Barr, 48th minute):  A Kilmarnock free kick is fired into the box and allows Barr to get a touch on it and put it into the back of the net passed a struggling Gunning. Bringing Kilmarnock level 2 minutes after the break.

No major action occurs in between each goal.

Goal two (Kilmarnock, Chris Johnston, 50th minute): Johnston picks up a long ball, manages to get control of it. Drives forward into the centre of the box. 20 yards out he fires it into the back of the net passed Cierzniak. A brilliant strike allows Kilmarnock to take the lead.

Photo;the team celebrating

United looked worried. This didn't stop United though. A chance from Gauld, tried to get United back in the game but this didn't come to anything as his shot went wide. Boyd tried to extend Kilmarnock's lead however, his shot was blocked. After that it was a pretty even game with both sides getting free kicks but play was going nowhere fast.

A shot from Boyd was missed, this allowed United to break forward and hopefully get them back into the game.

Goal two (Dundee United, Stuart Armstrong, 63rd minute): Ciftci gains the ball in the middle of the Kilmarnock half, dribbles it passed the Kilmarnock player. Runs into the box, passes it back to Armstrong who is waiting along side Gauld. Armstrong just floats it past keeper Samson. United are back into the game after a frustrating 15 minutes.

Boyd again on the ball misses both the chances he tries to put in. It is a pretty open game at this point. Both teams equal and neither team pushing for the ball. Graham however stops this and hits the right hand post at close range. The ball gets put back into play and the team group back together and get back up the back.

Goal three (Dundee United, Andrew Robertson, 75th minute): Gauld bursts forward. Passes the ball on an on rushing Robertson. 20 yards out. Robertson drives it past Samson, United take the lead once again.

United now 3-2 up. They don't step off the ball and mange to keep Kilmarnock in their own half. They do so with another defender coming up and trying to have a shot in the form of a Gunning left footed shot. Gauld is fouled in the box. Penalty United.

Goal four (Dundee United, Brian Graham, penalty, 81st minute): Gauld fouled in the box by Gabriel. A penalty is awarded. Graham steps up to take the penalty. Graham sends Samson the wrong way. Gets United their fourth goal of the game and into the hat for the next round.

Nothing happens in between the penalty and the fifth goal.

Goal five (Dundee United, Gary Mackay-Steven, 83rd minute): Gauld into the box trying to make it five. Samson punches it out but only as far as Mackay-Steven. A 30 yard strike from Mackay-Steven sees the ball go into the back of the net. United had defiantly secured their place in the next round. 

The last action of the game is a chance from Goodwillie which is right footed shot just goes wide of the box. 

After 93 minutes, United finish 5-2 and go through to the next round of the Scottish Cup.

Photo;Mackay-Steven smile coming off the park

Full time Dundee United 5 - 2 Kilmarnock

Dundee United storm through to the next round. They well and truly showed Kilmarnock what they can do in the second half of the game when they were 2-1 down. They came back fighting and after the became level they never looked back after that. After the recent performances that United have been showing, they could defiantly go all the way again. The draw for the next round is made on the 2nd December. This could be the make or break for United if they keep playing like they have been in recent games. Dundee United next have Hearts at home on the 7th December, hoping to get another 3 points and a massive win at home to move up in the league. Dundee United will now play Queen of the South or St. Mirren at home in the fifth round of the Scottish girl.

Attendance: 6,979

My man of the match was Andrew Robertson, I chose Robertson as my man of the match because he has shown in the last few games that a defender is able to score as many goals as a striker does. He manages to get up the park and into the box to receive balls from the rest of the team. He also manages to create balls for other players as well. He has shown so much experience for only being 19 years old. He has a huge future ahead of him.

A mention to Chris Johnston, who is a Kilmarnock player, this man has only just turned 18 and has shown as much experience as some of the Dundee United young players have done in recent games. His goal against us that put them up for about 15 minutes was a cracking goal and it shows how good a player he is. I can see him having a good future ahead of him as well. Maybe even see him move up to a better team to grow his experience but for now he is doing well at Kilmarnock.

United scrape past strong Kilmarnock side

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Dillon, Souttar, Robertson, Watson, Gauld, Ciftci, Armstrong, Rankin, Paton and Goodwillie

Subs: Wilson, Dow, Butcher, Mackay-Steven, Graham, Gunning and McCallum

Subs Used: Gunning, Mackay-Steven and Dow

Booked: Gauld

Starting XI (Kilmarnock): Samson, Clohessy, O'Hara, Barr, Bouzid, Pascali, Nicholson, Silva, Clingan, Boyd and McKenzie

Subs: Ibrahim, Reguero, McKeown, Gross, Fowler, Johnston and Irvine

Subs Used: Fowler, Ibrahim and Irvine

Booked: Clohessy, Bouzid, Pascali and Irvine

My Man of the Match: Nadir Ciftci

Photo; my man of the match after he scored

Dundee United only make changes on the bench from their goalless draw against Hearts last weekend, with Petrie dropping out of the team due to international duty and allowing Gunning to come back on the bench after serving his 3 match ban. Kilmarnock make three changes to the team that lost 5-2 to Celtic last weekend. McKeown and Ibrahim dropped to the bench, while Gardyne who is on loan to Kilmarnock from Dundee United is dropped all together due to loan contract agreements stopping Gardyne playing against his own team. Kilmarnock also made three changes to the bench from last weekend, bringing O'Hara, Silva and McKenzie to the starting X1 and Jacobs being dropped from the team.

Dundee United started off the game as the stronger with a chance for young Gauld within the opening minute. Most of the action was with United for the first 15 minutes till Boyd had a chance on goal which was held easily by Cierzniak.

Photo; Mackay-Steven back in action for the Terrors

It turned into a pretty even game as the half hour struck. With both sides having corners and chances on goal but they came to nothing. 

The first real chance game in the 38th minute when Goodwillies' right footed attempt from 35 + yards was saved right in the centre of the goal. 

No other major action occurred during that half and both teams went in level at the break.

Half time Dundee United 0 - 0 Kilmarnock

Second half under way. United start the second half as they finished the first, with Gauld getting a chance in the 48th minute that Samson took easily. Kilmarnock started to get into the game with them looking like the stronger team.

Goal Dundee United (Nadir Ciftci, 56th minute): 
A good defencive play by Goodwillie allows Ciftci just outside box allowing him to volley it right footed into the bottom right corner of the net to give Dundee United the lead.

Photo; Ciftci celebrates with Goodwillie and Gauld

Play restarts, Kilmarnock quickly get back into the game with their chances coming to nothing. 

Nothing major really happened till the 80th minute, when Kilmarnock was pushing to get a point out of the game. Two fantastic saves from Cierzniak, allows United to keep their lead. 

It ended with Dundee United getting the 3 points and the clean sheet.  A brilliant performance for Dundee United, they fully deserved the 3 points. Kilmarnock did really well in keeping the score as only one goal.

Full time Dundee United 1 - 0 Kilmarnock
Attendance: 5850

My Man of the Match went to Nadir Ciftci. Ciftci gets my man of the match due to his contribution to the game. He played really well and worked well with Goodwillie. His goal, which was the only goal of the game, is now a possible winner for goal of the season. Even though we have 8 more months of the season left. I would personally say that Ciftci has proven to the fans and the gaffer that he is worthy of a place in the starting XI every week. I can personally see Ciftci, Goodwillie, Gauld, Armstrong and Mackay-Stevens being a great attacking midfield throughout the season.

United gain three points from County

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Wilson, Robertson, Rankin, Souttar, Gunning, Mackay-Steven, Paton, Graham, Gauld and Armstrong
Subs: Dillon, Goodwillie, Erskine, Dow, Ciftci, McCallum and Gomis
Booked: None
Subs Used: Goodwillie and Ciftci

Starting XI (Ross County): Fraser, Kovacevic, Gordon, Luckassen, Boyd, McLean, Quinn, Kettlewell, De Leeuw, Brittain and Carey.
Subs: Brown, Micic, Mustafi, Maatsen, Glen, Cooper and Ross
Booked: Luckassen
Subs Used: Ross, Maatsen and Glen

My Man of the Match: Paul Paton

Photo;my man of the match

Dundee United make one change, Wilson replaces Watson after their 4-1 win against Kilmarnock last weekend (14th December). Ross County also make one change Klok misses out through injury who is replaced by Luckassen after their 2-1 defeat to Motherwell last weekend.

The first half began with United giving away a corner to County then getting three corners within the first 6 minutes. All these corners put pressure on the County defence however it didn't manage to come to anything. A free kick for County in the attacking half didn't manage to phase the United defender. 

United gain another corner from ex United man McLean, this allows Gunning to have a shot with his head. His header just goes over the bar.

County then get a second wind with shots coming from Brittain and Luckassen, however both shots were missed. This put pressure on the United defence and made them realise they had to be tighter at the back.

Another two corners for United, this time Graham manages to get a head on it but it is fantastically saved by Fraser. Play is switching rappadly from each end. County are winning free kicks in the attacking half as are United.

WIth three big boys in the box, United swing in a corner Souttar gets a head on it but it is saved by Fraser along with Grahams attempt.

Half time Dundee United 0 - 0 Ross County

Photo;Goodwillie trying to break the deadlock

A poor first half goal wise, however both sides looking strong on the defence and attack. With United managing to hit the net but it being called off-side, this lifted County's spirts and United slowed down.

Second half beings and Rankin is having a pop at goal, his long range shot is just too high. Then play switches ends with McLean having a shot on goal but it is well held by Cierzniak.

This lead on to another 4 corners in a row for United, all the attempts they had on goal however were either to high or a County player got their head on it first, allowing United to get another corner.

Armstrongs missed shot, gained United another two corners, still no luck in putting it into the back of the net. At this point it was all United with them gaining most of the corners, free kicks and attempts on goal.

Ciftci is subbed on and at first touch he nearly puts United ahead however his shot is saved by keeper Fraser. United then gain another two corners, on the second one Goodwillie has a shot but his shot was just too high.

County try to get back into the game but they don't manage to push United after the get a free kick in the attacking half.

Goal Dundee United (Gary Mackay-Steven, 69th Minute): Ciftci gains the ball from Souttar's volley, plays it into the feet of the on running Armstrong. Armstrong squares it up and allows Mackay-Steven to bullet it passed Fraser. Giving United the break through.

County try to get the equaliser but nothing manages to get passed the United defence. It turns into a United last 20 minutes of the game.

Attempts coming from Ciftci and Rankin but both misses. County did manage to get two shots one from Kettlewell and the other from Maatsen both again missed.

The second half ended with United getting another batch of corners to round of the 21 corners they got. None of these managed to come to anything and it ended with Dundee United taking the one goal lead. 

Full Time Dundee United 1 - 0 Ross County

Photo;Mackay-Steven in action

22 goals in the last 6 games for United. The run of 4 goals every game had to come to an end at one point but luckily they still managed to get the 3 points. 

A strong County side proved difficult for United and didn't allow them to break away with the ball. United however did slack at some points allowing County to open them up and nearly manage to get a few goals.

I chose Paul Paton as my man of the match because he has shown great potentially these past few weeks. He manages to set up goals or at least attempts for the strikers and other midfielders. Between him and John Rankin it was a hard choice for my man of the match as they are both unsung heros. Paton will be one to watch for the rest of the season.
Attendance: 8,029

United hit Hearts for Four

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Wilson, Robertson, Rankin, Dillon, Souttar, Gauld, Paton, Graham, Armstrong and Mackay-Steven

Subs: Butcher, Goodwillie, Watson, Erskine, Dow, McCallum and Gomis

Booked: Wilson and Souttar

Subs Used: Watson, Gomis and Goodwillie

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Starting XI (Hearts): MacDonald, Hamill, McHattie, Walker, Wilson, McGowan, Stevenson, Tapping, Paterson, Robinson and McGhee

Subs: McKay, Smith, Carrick, King, Hamilton, King and Nicholson

Booked: Walker, Tapping and Robinson

Subs Used: Carrick and King

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My Man of the Match: Brain Graham 

Photo;my man of the match 

Dundee United make two changes to the team that beat Kilmarnock 5-2 on the 29th November, with Ciftci getting a two match ban due to the hearing after the cup game up in Inverness, Graham comes into the leading striker role. An injured Gunning allows room for captain Dillon to come back into the team. Hearts made one change with Smith being dropped to the bench allowing room for Tapping to come into the team.

As the game kicked off it was a pretty even game with both teams gaining free kicks within the first five minutes. The first chance of the half came from Armstrong who's shot just went wide of the post. This gave Hearts a boost with a chance coming from Paterson but his shot was blocked outside the box. Next Gauld had two shots, one which was saved and one that was blocked. It was a very slow start to the half until United gained a goal.

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Goal One Dundee United (Stuart Armstrong, 16th minute): Mackay-Steven plays the ball over the top of the Hearts defenders to allow Armstrong to make the run. Armstrong makes contact with the ball fires it past the Hearts keeper at an acute angle. Allowing United to open the scoring within the first 15 minutes of the game.

The next section of the half was very tense with both teams committing fouls and this resulted in Wilson giving away a penalty to Hearts. Hearts were however looking like the better team before the penalty was given

Goal One Hearts (Jamie Hamill, Penalty, 20th minute): A foul by Wilson, gave away a penalty to Hearts. Hamill stepped up to the mark. Sent Cierzniak the wrong way to bring them level with 25 minutes to go of the first half.

With another tense end of the half on its way, both teams were gaining and creating fouls every five minutes. This resulted in a player from both teams getting booked. It was pretty even on the attempts towards goal, with Graham having two chances and Robinson and Hamill sharing attempts on goal. It was pretty even as we go into half time.

Half Time Dundee United 1 - 1 Hearts

Another poor first half from United allowed Hearts to come back into the game as they kept pushing the United strikers back and defenders left with a lot of work to do.

Photo; team celebrating Armstrongs goal

With the second half being delayed due to Walker being injured, play can restart after a couple of minutes delay. Rankin began the half with a shot on goal. Then two corners from United helped set up United's second goal.

Goal Two Dundee United (Brian Graham, 48th minute): A corner from Wilson on the left hand site. Graham made contact with it. A bullet header went straight over MacDonald's head and into the top right hand corner. Giving United the break three minutes into the second half.

Dundee United began to get their rhythm back and weren't letting Hearts have a shot on goal or even allowing them to get back in attacking position without one of the United defenders gaining the ball back as they kept hitting long balls. Both Gauld and Rankin on the attempts for goal. Walker was the only real chance for hearts. United were the stronger team with them having three or four corners in a row.

After Hearts second yellow was shown, Gauld and Rankin were again trying to get an easier lead for United. Also three corners in a goal. United were by far the better team after the second goal went in. Armstrong had a shot on goal before it got back to Mackay-Steven who would have a pop at goal as well.

Goal Three Dundee United (Gary Mackay-Steven, 84th minute): A cut back from Paton to Armstrong allows Armstrong to have a shot. Keeper MacDonald saves it but only manges to get it out as far Mackay-Steven who has time to re-position himself . Passes it back to Gauld. Who then passes it back to Mackay-Steven who is just inside the area and fires it into the top corner. Securing the points for United with 6 minutes of regulation time to go.

Not much game play happened during the last 5 minutes of the game. The only real thing to comment on would be a shot that was saved from Armstrong.

Photo;Young Souttar in action

Goal Four Dundee United (John Rankin, 91st minute): After many long range shots which were getting saved by MacDonald. A shot from outside the area, was deflected by a Hearts defender and the ball rolled into the net. Another four goals for United and three points defiantly secured now as we enter the last few seconds of stoppage time.

This was the last kick of the ball.

Full Time Dundee United 4 - 1 Hearts

Dundee United show Hearts what they can really do when they put their heart and soul into the game. The second half started off slow but it eventually managed to get into the second halves United fans have been experiencing over the past few weeks. Another 4 goals in the bad, along with 3 points and into third place. Now onto Rugby Park to play Kilmarnock on the 14th December, hopefully gain another 3 points.

Attendance: 7,808

My man of the match goes to Brian Graham because he has shown that he deserves to start, he brings height to the front and allows the rest of the team to send in high balls into the box. This is shown from his recent goals and even his near chances, that he is able to score goals with bullet headers, something we have missed since Daly moved away to Rangers in the summer. Brian is improving every week and hopefully there is more goals to come for him. 

Photo;Rankin celebrating his goal