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
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.
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