Terrors and Dons share points

photo; United fans at Aberdeen

Starting XI (Aberdeen): Langfield, Logan, Reynolds, Flood, Anderson, Shaughnessy, Jack, Robson, McGinn, Rooney and Smith
Subs: Robertson, Zola, Vernon, Low, Weaver, McManus, Tate
Booked: Anderson
Subs Used: McManus

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Watson, Gunning, Paton, Dillon, Souttar, Dow, Rankin, Graham, Mackay-Steven and Armstrong
Subs: Wilson, Gauld, McCallum, Gomis, El Alagui, Smith and Connolly
Booked: Gunning
Subs Used: Gauld, Gomis

My Man of the Match: Paul Paton


photo; my man of the match and Armstrong

The teams were lead out to the crowd chanting and singing. This was well and truly the way to start a 'New Firm Derby'.

The game started and it was all about United, they were all over Aberdeen. Robson had an attempt on goal which would end up proving dangerous for the counter attack from United. In the early stages of the game United ended up taking the lead through a Paul Paton in the 6th minute. A right footed shot from outside the box sees United take the early lead in this New Firm Derby.

After Aberdeen restarted the game United were right back up pressuring Langfield in the goal. Rankin having his shot saved. Also ex United man Flood was trying to give Aberdeen the goal. The pressure kept building on both sides of the park.


photo; Celebrations from Paton

During this half United missed on two stone wall penalties that the referee told Armstrong that it wasn't a drive therefore it must have been a foul but no penalty was given. This wasn't the only drama with the United side, with middle man Murray giving fouls towards Aberdeen while the United players were the ones who got fouled.

Other than these incidences, the game was basically all about United so far. This was promising due to Ciftci and Robertson being suspended from the team, it also shows how well United can work without these two main players.

The half ended with the United fans happy as well as annoyed. However, they were 1 goal up as they went into the break thanks to a Paton strike in the 6th minute.

Half Time Aberdeen 0 - 1 Dundee United


photo; game action

From the play in the first half both sets of fans would think that United would start to dominate again. However, this wasn't the case with Aberdeen starting off the second half really well.

It was at this time at Niall McGinn, allowed Aberdeen to get back into the game in the 51st minute. A Robson assist allowed McGinn to head it past Cierzniak at close range.

Throughout the next 15 minutes Aberdeen were dominating United. They were all over United trying to get the goal that would give them the lead. United were trying their best to stop them, which they managed to do.

Once all the subs were made the game change completely, for the remainder of the game it was end to end pressure from both sides. This left both sets of fans with their hearts in their mouths.

The second half ended with a pretty uneventful half. Both teams shared the points and with Motherwell going down 2 goals to 1 against Kilmarnock, United move closer to European spot.

Full Time Aberdeen 1 - 1 Dundee United



photo; more game action

Attendance: 14,627 with around 1800 United fans travelling

My man of the match is Paul Paton, this is due to him continuously pressuring the Aberdeen defence. He also managed to defend the ball really well along side fellow sitting midfielder John Rankin. They are two vital members to the success of United. This is why I award him my man of the match.

Joe McGovern - Across the Water Straight to my Football Heart

A wee goalkeeper was born March 2nd 1994, in Eniskillen, Northern Ireland. His name, Joe McGovern.

Joe signed for Dundee United on June 30th 2011. He knew what Dundee United was like due to his older brother Michael McGovern having played for them for a spell before moving onto Falkirk where he is situated now.


Joe is a team regular for the Under 20s. Goal minder McGovern does well  in every game he plays, managing to keep as many clean sheets for the Under 20s as he can, throughout the past few seasons playing for Dundee United. However in 2011-2012 season, he was unable to play due to registering issues along with injuries. This would mean that he would sit the first year of his two year contract out.


In 2012-2013 season, Joe came back fighting fit and ready to mind the goals once again. Throughout this season, along with other goalkeepers there was a bit of competition to see who would play for that particular game. Throughout this season Joe done all the work he could to get into the team on a regular basses. He managed to do this gaining many caps throughout this season.

In May 2013, Joe signed a one year extension onto his existing contract which would see him secure a place at Dundee United until the end of the 2013/2014 season. Through the 2013/14 season, Joe has played in most games so far, he has only had to share his caps with first team sub keeper Marc McCallum.


Also during the 2013/2014 season, Joe got put out on emergency loan to League Two side Clyde. This was due to both keepers being out injured. For the 19 year old this was the first experience of proper first team goal minding. In my personal opinion, I think Joe done perfectly well for someone who had been playing in the Under 20s League most of his playing career. After his time at Clyde, I hope this allows the first team Gaffer to see how well he is doing and hopefully give him a chance next season in the first team squad.

In my personal opinion on Joe as a player, he does loads of work in training which pays of during Under 20s. I think it helps that himself, McCallum and Cierzniak all train together. It gives Joe the experience of training with the first team goalkeeper. In every game I have seen him play in he has done so well, like every keeper they should be able to save the team if the defence does something wrong. Joe does this fantastically, the only time I have seen him not be at his best is when he takes to trying to save a penalty. However, most keepers aren't good when they are up against a penalty. I also think that if Clyde think he is good enough to choose him to be the keeper they take on loan till the keepers are fit again, he must be a pretty good keeper considering they could of had anyone from any other club.

However, on more of a personal level, over the past few season I have became to like Joe more and more as a player. I never thought I would see myself liking a keeper. But this Northern Irishmen managed to change my opinion on liking keepers. Whenever I have met him he is always amazing with me, standing to pose for photos as well as having wee chats with me. I never thought that someone would be this amazing with me, although himself and ex team mate Ryan Lundie have both been fantastic with me.


I really hope to see Joe go onto bigger and better things. If that means leaving United then it's what is good for his career. I personally would love to see him keep playing at United and build up more skills that I know he has.

United manage to keep ICT at bay

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

Starting XI (Inverness CT): Brill, Raven, Shinnie, Foran, Warren, Meekings, Tansey, Draper, McKay, Vincent and Watkins
Subs: Esson, Ross, Devine, Williams, Polworth, Christie and Evans
Booked: Raven, Warren, Christie
Subs Used: Polworth, Ross, Christie

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My Man of the Match: Andrew Robertson


photo; Robertson in action

As the teams were lead out to 'Love is in the air' and the United fans chanting, the heavens began to open and the rain began to come down on the teams.

They played through the heavy rain storm. Inverness was looking like the better team as they were having most of the possession and all the play was in the United half pressuring the United defence.The early pressure from Invereness gave United the boost they needed, with Armstrong, Gauld, Dow and Ciftci just to name a few having chances.

United looked the stronger team as they were the ones who looked like they were going through by getting a goal but Brill was able to hold the United pressure from Armstrong, Gauld and Robertson just to name a few again. It was such a team effort trying to get the break through.

Gunning also had a fantastic line clearance during the first half, when Cierzniak came out of the box early but Gunning was waiting to clear the ball right on the line. This relieved United.


photo; Gauld's shot

However, throughout the whole of the first half it was the type of football you would see between two teams pushing for European spot. Neither team was able to break through to gain the lead as they went into the break.

A very uneventful first half sees both teams go into the break with neither team getting off the mark.

Half Time Dundee United 0 - 0 Inverness CT

After an uneventful first half both teams were pumped up after the team talk. Inverness were out first, ready and raring to go.

As Inverness kicked off they managed to get up the park and have a pop at goal but this didn't faze Cierzniak in the United goal.

United finally managed to make the break through in the 48th minute, through Ryan Gauld a fantastic goal from Gauld through a Robertson assist, sees United gain the lead early on in the second half.

Inverness after the restart looked like they wanted to try and get back into the game after loosing the early goal to Gauld. However, nothing was able to break through the strong United defence.


photo; second goal celebrations

After a build up play from both team. Ryan Dow, broke passed Brill and just tap it into the back of the net in the 76th minute, a massive mistake from Brill sees United extend their lead with just under 15 minutes to go.

United kept calm and were looking to keep the clean sheet along with the vital three points that would help them push towards European spot.

In the 81st minute, Liam Polworth, with an amazing strike from outside the box gave Inverness a vital goal. Cierzniak wasn't able to do anything to stop the ball going into the back of the net.

This goal meant that Inverness could potentially have a come back and at least take one point out of the game. But after 90+ minutes of game time, United manage to keep the three points and the lead.

Full Time Dundee United 2 - 1 Inverness CT

Attendance: 6,754


photo; Gauld celebrating goal with Robertson and Armstrong

My man of the match was Andrew Robertson as every single game he is able to get right up beside upfront man Gauld, creating chances and allowing other team mates to get up the park which helps assist goals. Overall, so far this season Robertson has done so much to help out the team. I am hoping this continues after himself and Ciftci miss out on the 'New Firm Derby' on March 29th due to gaining too many yellow cards.

Terrors Break Hearts on Last Visit to Tynecastle

Starting XI (Hearts of Midlothian): MacDonald, Paterson, McHattie, Robinson, McGowan, Wilson, Stevenson, Hamil, Carrick, Smith and Nicholson
Subs: Ridgers, Holt, McKay, King, Oliver, McGhee and Beith
Booked: None
Subs Used: King, McKay and Holt

Starting XI (Dundee United): Cierzniak, Wilson, Robertson, Paton, Dillon, Gunning, Armstrong, Rankin, Ciftci, Graham and Dow
Subs: Butcher, Gauld, Souttar, McCallum, Gomis, El Alagui and Smith
Booked: None
Subs Used: Smith, Gauld and El Alagui

• 
  

My Man of the Match: Brian Graham

The teams are led out onto the well watered Tynecastle pitch due to heavy rain fall throughout the evening. Which was set to continue throughout the match, seeing producers turn difficult as United were looking to hold there winning run together. As well as Hearts looking to try and fight to not be relegated before the end of the season.

United start of the stronger team with them taking the early chances, through Rankin, Robertson and Ciftci. However, Hearts was trying to pressure Cierzniak in the United goal but nothing was able to come of this and United just kept piling on the pressure to MacDonald.

photo; Jackie applauding fans

With United pushing to break the dead lock they finally manage to do it with 10 minutes to go in the first half when Brian Graham does so in the 35th minute, Robertson crosses the ball into the box and from close range Graham manages to put it into the back of the net.

United now one goal up Hearts try and get back into the game but they don't manage to get the goal back before the break. Even though both Paterson and Stevenson had shots for Hearts over United not having any chances after their goal but they were able to hold onto their lead.

Half Time Hearts of Midlothian 0 - 1 Dundee United

Rain stopped for a period of time, the teams come to begin the second half. United well prepared to keep their advantage. Whereas Hearts were looking to get back into the game and looked to share the spoils.

United come out and within the first 10 minutes United have had four shots on goals, neither managing to get into the back of the net though. Nicholson had a shot for Hearts but they weren't able to get it into the back of the net either.

Second half turning out to be very poor as pitch conditions decrease, play was getting rough and not the type of football that should be played in the Premier League.

photo; Ciftci scoring

70 minutes gone Nadir Ciftci, finally manages to find the back of the net after two attempts on goal within the past five minutes. A Dow assist sees Ciftci put the ball into the back of the net from outside the box, extending United's lead.

United looking to have the comfortable two goal advantage. 8 minutes later Hearts see a goal back through Danny Wilson, a header into the box from a Nicholson cross, sees Hearts get a goal back and push for another goal to get a point from the game.

With no further action being taken throughout the game, it ends with United taking all three points.

Full Time Hearts of Midlothian 1 - 2 Dundee United


photo; celebrations between the team

Attendance: 13,448 with 906 travelling Dundee United fans

My man of the match goes to Brian Graham, he was showing why he deserves a start after his performance last Saturday (15th March) against St Mirren. He changed the game and he managed to break the dead lock in this game. He is my man of the match because he has amazing passion for the game and in my opinion deserves a place in the starting XI.

Also a mention to Scott Smith who got his first team debut tonight. It may have only been for a minute or so but it was a well deserved debut and I hope this is a sign of things to come.

photo; Armstrong in action

United shock Saints as they steal all three points

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

• 
  

Starting XI (St Mirren): Kello, Naismith, Kelly, Newton, McAusland, McGregor, Magennis, McLean, Thompson, McGowan and McGinn
Subs: Campbell, Reilly, Teale, Brady, Dilo, Wylde and Hughes
Booked: McAusland
Subs Used: Wylde and Teale

My Man of the Match: Nadir Ciftci

Dundee United made three changes to the team that went down 1-0 to St Johnstone, on Wednesday, March 12th. Dillon, Armstrong and Dow are dropped to the bench allowing room for Gauld and Souttar to return to the starting XI after being out injured along with El Alagui.  St Mirren don't make any changes to the team that won 2-0 against Kilmarnock, on Saturday, March 8th.


photo; my man of the match celebrating

The first half started off with St Mirren pressuring Cierzniak. Four attempts within the first ten minutes of the game. Newton and Magennis's shots were too high. While both Thompson's shots were saved by Cierzniak. United failed to pressure St Mirren at all.

Goal One (St Mirren, McGowan, 20th minute): A poorly defended ball allowed McGowan an easy header into the back of the net. Giving them the lead at the 20 minute mark.

With St Mirren getting the break away this boosted United's confidence in getting into the game. Ciftci's shot was just wide of the post. However, that was the only real chance from United. Until the half hour mark, St Mirren were all over United.

United tried to get back into the game before the half was out but Thompson piled on more pressure on the United goal. This allowed him to break through and give St Mirren the double lead.

Goal Two (St Mirren, Thompson, 40th minute): The ball drops to Thompson feet. Cierzniak should have been able to save it but he doesn't do anything to try and stop Thompson. He is then able to just tap it over the line giving them a 2 goal advantage as we approach the break.

Mackay-Steven had a shot to try and get United back into the game but his shot was just wide of the post. The half ended with St Mirren two goals up.

Half Time Dundee United 0 - 2 St Mirren

Half Time Round Up:

As St Mirren lead by 2 goals to none, it looked like it would be all over for Dundee United but they were playing good football the goals were just very soft and could have been prevented. Other than St Mirren having the big advantage, it was a pretty even game in terms of possession and football skills.


photo; Souttar in action

With the team talk over. The second half began. With St Mirren, two goals up they were looking to extend their lead but both Thompson and McGowan missed their shots. Looking to get a new flare to the game St Mirren brought Wylde on for Naismith. As we approached the hour mark it was still all about St Mirren.

At the hour mark, United switched it up. Armstrong being replaced for Gauld and Dow replacing El Alagui. McNamara, was hoping this would bring in a new flare for the United team.

McLean still tried to get a shot away but Cierzniak saved it. With Robertson down injured their was a delay in the game. After the delay was over. United began to pressure St Mirren, but this didn't do anything as they were still pressuring the United back line.


photo; Graham celebrating his goal

With 15 minutes to go Gunning had a shot saved. This boosted United's spirits as they were getting back into the game and pressuring the St Mirren back line. Graham is brought on for Paton. Hoping that another striker will help United get a goal back.

Graham made an immediate impression on the United team. This was shown as he managed to get United off the mark with 11 minutes to go.

Goal Three (Dundee United, Brian Graham, 79th minute): St Mirren appeal for Ciftci to be offside but the linesman doesn't give it. Ciftci manages to find Dow in the box who allows Graham to tap it passed Kello who is off his line leaving an open goal. United get back into the game with 11 minutes to go.

Continuous pressure from United, saw them back level with 6 minutes plus stoppage time to go. By this time the United fans were going mental in the stands and backing their team.

Goal Four (Dundee United, Stuart Armstrong, 84th minute): Mackay-Steven picks up the ball at the half way line, drives into the box. He finds Armstrong in the box who manages to drive it home to bring United level with 5/6 minutes of regulation time to go.

After the ciaos caused by the second goal in the stands. United were more determined than ever to get the three points after being so poor for the majority of the game.


photo; Rankin and Paton pressuring St Mirren

Both Rankin and Graham having shots on goal to try and get the third goal into the back of the net but neither of them managing to get it into the back of the net.

Goal Five (Dundee United, Nadir Ciftci, 92nd minute): Dow picks up a long ball from Rankin. He drills it into the box. Kello makes the save but he drops it. Ciftci is waiting, goes round the keeper and at a very acute angle is pops it into the back of the net. Making it UNITED 3 ST MIRREN 2. What a come back.

The United end erupted, after Ciftci gave United the lead in the 2nd minute of stoppage time. Dow had the last chance of the game. With 93 minutes played. The game was over.

Full Time Dundee United 3 - 2 St Mirren

Full Time Round Up:
Dundee United shocked St Mirren by pulling back three goals within the last 15 minutes. This made the Dundee United fans go absolutely mental. St Mirren weren't prepared at all for what hit them in the final 15 minutes and I don't even think the United boys knew that they were away to do that. A much better game than mid-week for United and credit is due to the fans who stayed till the end to watch their team come back to winning.


photo; young Gauld in action

Attendance: 6,524

My man of the match was Nadir Ciftci because he managed to get United the three points by getting the winning goal. However, he kept pressuring the St Mirren goal throughout the whole of the game and never gave up. Every game he gives his 110% into the game. He deserves my man of the match because of his effort throughout the whole of the game.

Also a mention for Brian Graham as it looked as if he gave United the extra boost they needed when he came on late in the second half. He managed to get the first goal which allowed United to become more confident which is what they needed to allow them to go on and have such a come back as they did.

Sean Dillon - Dubliner Divides Opinions

July 30th, 1983, in Dublin Ireland a man who would end up leading out Dundee United was born. His name Sean Dillon.

Sean began his youth career in 1992 at Aston Villa, he then stayed there till 2002 when he moved back to Ireland to play for Longford Town which is where he started out his senior career. During his four year spell at Longford Town, he had 114 caps and 5 goals. He also won two FAI cups and a League of Ireland Cup. In 2006 he moved to Shelbourne where he only had 29 appearances in his short period of time as well as winning the League of Ireland Cup, for the first time in career. 

In 2007, Sean moved to Scotland to take on a new challenge by playing for Dundee United. After a year at the club Sean picked up a Scottish League Cup Runners Up Medal as an unused substitute. After making his debut against Rangers at Ibrox, he missed the Scottish Cup tie with St Mirren as he joined United after the tournament transfer deadline. However he then went on to play in every match until the end of the season, appearing 16 times as he helped United climb away from the relegation zone.

Sean scored his first goal for United 4 games into the 2007/2008 season, in a 3-0 win over Inverness CT, and by the end of February he had missed only one match due to suspension. During that spell he also received international recognition when he played alongside former United team mate Noel Hunt for the Republic of Ireland B team in November 2007 in a match against a Scottish B team that included Darren Dods, a former team mate. 

The 2009/2010 season saw Sean being used in a more versatile role than before, playing at left-back, centre-half and centre-midfield as well as his usual right-back position, in November he made his 100th appearance in a tangerine jersey in United’s 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

By the last third of the season, Sean was playing more regularly at left-back, taking over from the injured Paul Dixon, and it was in that role that he gave a solid performance in the Scottish Cup Final as United won the trophy for only the second time in the club’s history. United’s third place finish in the SPL saw Sean return to European football for the first time since his Shelbourne days.

Sean returned to his more familiar role of right-back at the start of the 2010/2011 season, but an injury to Darren Dods meant Sean had to cover at centre-half for the Europa League ties against AEK Athens. With new signing Scott Severin also picking up an injury in October, Sean was called on again to play at centre-half, and it was in that position that he would play in for most of the season. He scored his third goal for the club with a late, late equaliser at Celtic Park in November, and his performances in the heart of the defence won him acclaim amongst the fans, earning him the Federation of Supporters Clubs Player of the Year Award.

For the start of the 2011/2012 season, Sean played the first 6 matches as centre half, including two more matches in the UEFA Cup against Slask Wroclaw, before the arrival of Gavin Gunning which saw him return to right back. However, a calf injury in late August caused him to miss nearly three months of the season, but he returned to the first team in December just as United began to turn their season around after a poor start. From there on in he never missed a game, and formed a solid partnership with Gavin Gunning in the centre of defence as the team qualified for Europe for the third season in a row.

Sean continued his partnership with Gavin Gunning through the first half of the 2012/2013 season, although he missed the 2nd leg of the Europa League tie against Dynamo Moscow after picking up an injury in the opening SPL game of the season against Hibs at Tannadice. A thigh strain kept him out of all 6 matches in December, but he returned to the centre of defence in the New Year, and played right through until the third last game of the season, when a previous ankle injury resurfaced and an operation was required.

But when then 16 year old John Souttar broke into the first team at the tail end of the season, Sean was instrumental in the development of his young defencive partner, and as Jackie McNamara rebuilt the squad over the summer, he made Sean Club Captain, a well deserved honour for the Irishman who has now been at Tannadice for 6 and a half years.

Even through all of this background of Sean Dillon, most of this can still make peoples opinions be divided and even more so during this season (2013/2014), with young Souttar breaking into the team and Curtis Good coming on loan from Newcastle United. This means that Sean hasn't been playing to much, but he still managed to reach his 200th cap mark during this season. This was a massive achievement for Sean himself and hopefully he can get another 100 more. 

For me personally, I have grown up watching Sean play at Dundee United. I have also see him grow as a player he has come a long way since he joined the club in 2007. Getting awarded to be the club captain at the beginning of the 2013/2014 season after the departure of Jon Daly. Also getting his 200th cap for the team. He has become one of my heroes along with Lee Wilkie. If anyone asks me why he is my hero, I will just reply with because I play in defence and he shows you just because you are injury proven, you are still able to come back fighting fit. Sean has shown this through all the hard work he has done at the club, both on and off the pitch. 

However, I know that opinions are divided when it comes to Sean. Many people see him on the pitch and judges him because of the way he plays if he has been having a bad game or that. But people don't understand what all he does for the club off the pitch. If people took time to learn things about him, their opinion might change towards him.

photo; myself and Dillon

Shambles occur at Tannadice

                                                         photo;my man of the match in action

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

Starting XI (St Johnstone): Mannus, Miller, Easton, McDonald, Mackay, Anderson, O'Halloran, Dunne, May, Millar and Wotherspoon
Subs: Cregg, Hasselbaink, Banks, Brown, Croft, Clancy and Iwelumo
Booked: Mackay, Dunne, May and Millar
Subs Used: Cregg, Clancy and Croft

My Man of the Match: Sean Dillon




Dundee United and St Johnstone were both looking to keep the winning runs they had going. As well as being on a high from last weekends Scottish Cup Quarter Finals. 

Throughout the first half neither team were really looking as if they were demanding the break through. This came as a shock from United as they were so strong last weekend against Inverness CT. But neither team were pressing either goals as much as the opposing team thought they would. 

photo; tensions high between teams


However, it was St Johnstone who came closest first though. A David Wotherspoon corner in the first minute was aimed to the near post. Garry McDonald rose high at the front post but could not keep the ball down from close range.

Ciftci's strength gave United their best opportunity of the half 27 minutes in. Ciftci collected the ball near the edge of the area after out-muscling his marker. A quick change of direction presented a shot in the box. Ciftci put the ball to his left and struck low across the face of Mannus's goal. Sadly for United, Mannus was equal to it and gathered the ball low near his own feet.

Shorty after the restart St Johnstone found what would be the winning goal. May drove at Dillon before striking a 30 yard shot at the United goal. Cierzniak looked to have gathered the ball. However, somehow the ball came loose and crept over the line to give St Johnstone a surprise lead.

photo; Cierzniak's mistake


With two penalties shouts being denied by referee Allan. One from El Alagui looked to be clearly impeded by the St Johnstone defender, yet no penalty or dive was adjudged by the referee or his assistant. Another from a foul on Gauld went unpunished by Allan on 76 minutes. 

This saw an annoyed Jackie McNamara sent to the stands as St Johnstone Manager Tommy Wright entered the home technical area. Wright was also directed to the stands by the referee. These incidences saw United fans get outraged at the treatment that referee Allan was giving to there team. 

Overall it was a really poorly refereed game as well as a poor game. But as Cierzniak mistake saw May take the lead in the 48th minute. It ended with St Johnstone gaining all 3 points in the week night Tayside Derby.

Full Time Dundee United 0 - 1 St Johnstone

photo; McNamara getting sent to the stand


Attendance: 6,720

My man of the match was Sean Dillon because he has recently just started to come back into the team due to team mate Curtis Good getting injured while away on international duty with Australia. Personally I think that Sean Dillon has proven to the fans that he really deserves to be in the team at least every second week or so. He is also showing his experience with young Souttar just recovering from an injury, as well as linking up with the younger midfield and up front. 

William Hill Scottish Cup Quarter Final - Round Up

               

photo; William Hill Scottish Cup

The Quarter Final Round of William Hill Scottish Cup kicked off at Starks Park, on Saturday 8th March 2014. This was one of two games that would be played on Saturday and two that would be played on Sunday, March 9th.

In the previous round of the cup St Johnstone defeated Forfar 4-0, Raith Rovers had one of the shocks putting Hibernian out 3-2. Aberdeen had another shock defeating Celtic 2-1 along with Dumbarton beating Alloa 1-0. Dundee United won 2-1 against St Mirren. Inverness CT drew 2-2 in the first leg but eventually won 2-0 against Stranraer. Finally Rangers defeated Dunfermline 4-0 and Ablion Rovers had a 2 goal cup shock against Stenhousemuir.

Before the Quarter Final draws were finalised, Stranraer and Inverness CT had to replay. This was where Stranraer made the journey to the top of the country to face Inverness CT. Nick Ross gave Inverness CT the lead at the 3 minute mark. This was the only scoring until the very last kick of the ball when Aaron Dorran gave Inverness CT the second goal of the evening, which secured them a place in the Quarter Finals to face Dundee United with home advantage.

photo; Ross celebrating with team mate, from Inverness CT and Stranraer replay


St Johnstone made the short journey down to Kirkcadly and to Starks Park to face Raith Rovers. Raith Rovers knew that they had to do the best they could due to them being a League below St Johnstone.At 12:15, the first game of the Quarter Final kicked off. Quickly, St Johnstone opened the scoring within the first five minutes through Steven Anderson. Raith Rovers managed to get back on level terms in the 20th minute through Douglas Hill. After the second half began with Brian Easton gave St Johnstone the lead again. With 20 minutes to go Steven Anderson, got his second goal of the afternoon. This would see St Johnstone win 3-1 and book their place in the Semi Final draw.

photo; St Johnstone celebrations


The 3 o'clock kick off was between Aberdeen and Dumbarton, this is where Dumbarton would travel north to Pittodrie to face high flyers Aberdeen, who put Celtic out in the last round. The first kind of shock of the Quarters game at Pittodrie when Aberdeen only managed to get one goal past Dumbarton, in the 53rd minute through Adam Rooney. However, this one goal managed to see them through to the Semi Final draw. They will join St Johnstone and await to see who goes through on Sunday.

photo;Aberdeen celebrations


Sunday kick off began, with Dundee United making the long trip up the A9 to try and get revenge on Inverness CT, as they had a very hard game during the League Cup in October 2013. The first major shock of the round came in the lunchtime kick off between these two sides. Nadir Ciftci giving Dundee United the early lead in the 15th minute, then extended it in the 27th minute. A penalty taken by Gavin Gunning saw Dundee United go three goals up after 35 minutes. The second half saw Gary Mackay-Steven get Dundee United's fourth goal of the afternoon in the 49th minute. Stuart Armstrong wrapped up things in the 57th minute when his bullet header saw Dundee United get the fifth goal of the afternoon and secure their place in the draw for the Semi Final. My match report can be found here: http://scotlandsgame.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/united-hit-thistle-for-five-as-they.html

photo; post match applauding 


The Quarter Finals ended with Albion Rovers making a short journey over to Ibrox, to face League One table toppers Rangers. Albion Rovers knew this was going to be a tough fixture due to the Wee Rovers being the lowest League club to still be in the Scottish Cup. This saw the first shock of the round, with Ciaran Donnelly giving Albion Rovers the lead within the first 15 minutes. Rangers didn't manage to equalised till the 78th minute through Mohsni. It ended 1-1, which means a replay will take place between the two sides.

photo;the moment that Albion Rovers take the lead


Semi Final draw is: St Johnstone vs. Aberdeen and Rangers/Albion Rovers vs. Dundee United, these draws will be played 12th/13th April at Ibrox Stadium.

Albion Rovers and Rangers will take place March 17th at New Douglas Park.

Good luck to everyone, in the Semi Final draw.

United hit Thistle for FIVE as they progress to the Semis

photo; applauding the fans

Starting XI (Inverness Calley Thistle): Brill, Raven, Warren, Meekings, Shinnie, Watkins, Vincent, Tansey, Doran, Foran and McKay
Subs: Esson, Ross, Devine, Tremarco, Williams, Polworth and Christie
Booked: Tansey and Watkins (Sent off)
Subs Used: Williams, Polworth and Christie

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

My Man of the Match: Nadir Ciftci

Dundee United make one change to the team who won 3-1 against Hibernian, Friday February 28th, with Dillon coming back into the team to replace Good, who got injured while away with Australia on international duty. Souttar also comes back onto the bench after being out for a period of time due to injury.  Inverness make two changes to the team who got beat 5-0 against Celtic, on Saturday March 1st. With Ross and Draper being taking out of the starting XI, Watkins being brought into the starting XI

As soon as the game kicked off, Ciftci was up pressuring the Inverness CT goal but was blocked outside the box. This gave Dundee United the needed boost they needed to get the game going. 

The first ten minutes of the game was all about United, this continued for the next five minutes. Ciftci had another shot but it was just too high. But at the 15th minute he managed to get the break through.

Goal One (Dundee United, Nadir Ciftci, 15th minute): Brill comes out to early to try and save the ball. Ciftci goes round past the keeper and at an angle, he manages to slot it into the back of the net. Giving Dundee United the early lead in this fixture.

This goal was an indication to Inverness CT that Dundee United were meaning business. There were many fouls within the next 10 minutes, with many free kicks being given. McKay's attempt on goal was just too high. Except that, it was just game play happening. 

photo; Ciftci celebrating


Goal Two (Dundee United, Nadir Ciftci, 27th minute): A poorly taken pass back, allows Ciftci to comfortably place the ball in the back of the net behind Brill. Giving Dundee United the extra goal they needed.

After Dundee United went up by two goals, Shinnie was trying to get Inverness CT back into the game but his shot was saved comfortably by Cierzniak. Dow had an attempt saved at the other end of the park. Other than these two attempts nothing really major happened.

Goal Three (Dundee United, penalty, Gavin Gunning, 36th minute): Gunning was brought down in the box by Graeme Shinnie, allowed Gunning to slot it past Brill. To basically wrap up the game before the first half had even finished.

photo;Gunning taking his penalty 


Play restarts but nothing major happened except, a few free kicks. One of which lead to the sending off of Tansey.

Sending Off: Greg Tansey, in the 44th minute, for very bad foul play towards Paul Paton.

Doran attempts to have a pop at goal before just before the half ended but his shot was just too high.

Half Time Inverness CT 0 - 3 Dundee United

Half Time Round Up:
The first half was really all about Dundee United, who wanted to keep their winning run going and make it into the Semi Final of the Scottish Cup. Three goals coming within 20 minutes of each other. A double from Ciftci and one from Gunning, saw Dundee United basically secure their place in the draw at half time. Inverness CT didn't press as much as they thought they would, this was all taken in Dundee United's stride though as it helped them get to where they are at half time.

The Second half began with Shinnie having a shot at goal but Cierzniak managed to save it without any bother. Other than that there was no real action for the first five minutes of the game.

Goal Four (Dundee United, Gary Mackay-Steven, 49th minute): A ball into the box from Stuart Armstrong allows Gary Mackay-Steven to slot it left footed into the bottom right hand corner to give Dundee United their fourth goal of the afternoon.

photo; Mackay-Steven Celebrating


Dundee United keep pressing on the Inverness CT defence, which breaks down the ten men team. Rankin and Armstrong both win free kicks which help Dundee United push up the park. It was just basic football from Dundee United at this point as they are four goals up.

Goal Five (Dundee United, Stuart Armstrong, 57th minute): A fantastic cross from Keith Watson outside the box meets Stuart Armstrong's head and bullets it past Brill to give Dundee United a FIVE goal lead and wrapped up the game for definite. 

As soon as play restarts McKay has a shot at goal for Inverness CT before four subs are made, Gomis replaces Rankin, Graham replaces Ciftci, Williams replaces Doran and Polworth replaces Foran.

photo; team celebrations between Robertson, Ciftci, Mackay-Steven and Armstrong


Again McKay has another attempt at goal which just went wide. Dundee United began to relax and just enjoy playing football. Free kicks was getting handed out left right and centre. One of these let to the second sending off of the afternoon, again for a foul of Paul Paton.

Sending Off: Marley Watkins, in the 71st minute, for another serious foul play towards Paul Paton again.

Inverness CT were wanting to get at least one goal back. They had attempts from Polworth and Raven, but none of them bothering the Dundee United goal.  A double corner for Dundee United could have seen them get their sixth goal. Thankfully for Inverness CT, the sixth goal didn't go in. 

Graham ended the game with an attempt which just went too high. This was the last major point of the game.

Full Time Inverness CT 0 - 5 Dundee United

photo;match action


Full Time Round Up:
The second half was another easy half for Dundee United, with two goals coming from Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong. With another sending off came in the 71st minute when Marley Watkins with a foul on Paul Paton. Other than the few attempts from Inverness CT, it was all about Dundee United for the majority of the game. There wasn't much to speak about in the second half but Dundee United did book their place in the Semi Final draw.

Attendance: 3,164

My man of the match was Nadir Ciftci because he was always getting up the park when Dundee United were pressing. He also opened the scoring and got a double. Every game he puts 110% into the game and that really showed today. It was a team effort but he done so much towards that team effort, that's why he deserves my man of the match.

Armstrong leads Scotland U21s to a draw against Hungary

photo; advertisement 

Starting XI (Scotland): Archer, M.Fraser, Findlay, Kelly, McGhee, Armstrong, Slater, McLean, McGregor, Paterson and R.Fraser 
Subs: Kettings, Henly, Grimmer, Chalmers, Stanton, McGinn, Herron and Handling
Booked: None
Subs Used: Kettings, Grimmer, Chalmers, Stanton, McGinn, Herron and Handling

Starting XI (Hungary): Jova, Barath, Lang, Szolnoki, Poor, Rado, Kovacs, Gyurjan, Vecsei, Bacsa and Nagy
Subs: Gyuru, Batik, Szakaly, Vass, Tamas, Jagodics, Kelemen and Ugrai
Booked: Barath and Gyurjan
Subs Used: Szakaly, Vass, Kelemen and Ugrai

My Man of the Match: Callum McGregor 


photo; McGregor's goal

Celtic striker Callum McGregor, on loan to Notts County, opened the scoring with a free-kick in the 25th minute before Ryan Fraser made it 2-0 before the break.

It was both players' first goals at under-21 level which looked to put the Scots in easy street, but Andras Rado reduced the deficit with a penalty in the 67th minute before grabbing a second with three minutes remaining.

With three games left in Group 3, Stark's side sit fourth after five games, six points adrift of leaders Slovakia - who have played a game more - and three behind the unbeaten Dutch, who have played a match less.

Stark admitted three wins will be needed to qualify for the finals next summer but they will need more resilience than they showed on Tayside although the coach will point to the plethora of subsitutions he made as a reason for their second-half performance.

St Mirren's Sean Kelly and Craig Slater of Kilmarnock made their debuts in the starting line-up but there was to be several more new faces before the end of the night.

Hungary looked dangerous early on but a challenge in the eighth minute by defender Botond Barath on Callum Paterson had the home fans appealing unsuccessfully for a penalty.

At the other end, Scotland keeper Jordan Archer had to rush from his goal to foil Hungary striker Patrik Bacsa and there was little between the teams until the home side scored after Paterson had been fouled by Hungarian stopper Patrik Poor just outside the box.

photo; McGregor celebrating

Kenny McLean and McGregor stood over the ball but it was the latter who drilled it underneath the jumping defensive wall and past keeper Levente Jova who might have been expected to stop it.

The game was held up for a moment or two after the half-hour mark as dozens of latecomers of a 4,537 crowd streamed out of the almost-packed lower George Fox stand and into the stand behind the goal where they had a perfect view of Scotland's second goal which came in the 37th minute.

McGregor put Armstrong in behind the Hungary defence with a clever pass and when he rolled the ball across the box Ryan Fraser had the easiest of tasks knocking it past Jova.

Stark replaced Archer, Kelly and Armstrong with keeper Chris Kettings, Joe Chalmers and Sam Stanton respectively - the latter two making their debuts - for the start of the second-half.

With nothing much happening in the way of excitement, Jack Grimmer and John McGinn also came on for their debuts, replacing Slater and McLean and unsurprisingly there was a disjointed look about Stark's side as the visitors took control.

Hungary found themselves right back in the game when Chalmers was penalised for hand ball inside the box as he looked to concede a corner and Rado slammed the spot-kick high past Kettings.

As the Hungarians pushed for the equaliser Balint Vecsei fired wide from 12 yards and Rado also missed the target from a similar range.

In between, Danny Handling was given his debut when he and John Herron came on in the 76th minute for Fraser and Paterson but almost inevitably, with three minutes remaining, Rado took a pass from Istvan Kovacs, turned inside and flashed his shot from 10 yards into the far corner for the deserved leveller.

Photo; my photo- the team photo before kick off 

Attendance: 4,537

My man of the match was McGregor because he was able to get forward and push the Hungary defenders and goal. He showed that the experience he is having at Notts County is doing wonders for him. For me personally it was the first time I had seen him play and I was really impressed by his game play.