Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

It was a New Year derby with a difference as City made the short journey to face Dundee United at Tannadice yesterday afternoon.

City went into the game still looking for their first league win of the season whilst the Tangerines were looking to get their promotion push back on track after a disappointing defeat to St Mirren last time out.

Manager Darren Dods opted not to freshen up his side and went with the same 11 that lost narrowly to Inverness at Glebe Park just 3 days ago.

The game got off to the worst possible start for City as United opened the scoring with just 43 seconds on the clock. SCOTT MCDONALD received a cutback from ex-City loanee Jamie Robson – the Aussie stepped inside before unleashing a low drive past Graeme Smith.

McDonald, who has now scored in each of the three games against City this season came close again just a couple of minutes later. A cross whipped in from the right hand side was flicked goalwards by the striker but Smith made a reflex save to deny him.

Things didn’t get any better for City as the home side doubled their advantage after just 7 minutes with a goal straight from the training ground. Billy King played a short corner to the edge of the box for SAM STANTON who struck low past a ruck of bodies in the box and into the net.

It was now a case of damage limitation for a shell-shocked City side. After 16 minutes Paul McMullan set up Sam Stanton who had a go from 25 yards out but his effort went wide.

City tightened up at the back for the remainder of the half and restricted United to a couple of half chances. Darren Dods’ side struggled to create any opportunities themselves but did come close on the strike of half time when Connor McLennan curled an effort just inches wide of the post.

Barely a minute into the second half, McLennan again had an effort from the edge of the box but it was saved comfortably by Harry Lewis.

Unfortunately for City, United came flying out the traps in a similar fashion to the first half and extended their lead just four minutes after the restart. Cammy Ballantyne, recently recalled from a loan spell at Montrose, played a low cross into the box for SCOTT MCDONALD who tucked away his second of the game.

It got worse for City just a few minutes later when United were awarded a penalty after Graeme Smith had bundled over McDonald in the box. Interestingly, McDonald didn’t take the spot kick for his hat-trick and instead JAMES KEATINGS stepped up to convert.

City battled away in search of a consolation goal – a corner flighted in from Jordan Sinclair found Sean Crighton in the box, but Harry Lewis got down well to save his downwards header.

Shortly before the hour mark, the home side were reduced to 10 men. Paul McMullan latched on to a long ball from defence and went down under the challenge of Gary Fusco, however referee Alan Newlands rightly issued a second yellow to the winger for simulation.

City immediately sought to make the most of the numerical advantage and adopted a more attacking approach for the remainder of the game. Sean Crighton continued to cause problems from corners and on 64 minutes his header from Sinclair’s delivery produced an excellent reflex save from Lewis.

From the resulting corner, Crighton went down under the challenge of Tam Scobbie in the box and Alan Newlands had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. JORDAN SINCLAIR stepped up and lashed the ball confidently into the top corner of the net for his 6th goal of the season.

‘Sinky’ was hungry for more and five minutes later he wasn’t far away with a half volley from 30 yards out which flew narrowly over the bar.

At the other end, a cross from Matthew Smith found Billy King at the back post but he could only hit the side netting with the goal at his mercy. Shortly after, McDonald evaded a couple of challenges in the box before striking for goal but the ball deflected off Aron Lynas for a corner.

With 90 minutes on the clock, substitute Andy Jackson held the ball up well before striking a shot on the turn which went over the bar. Deep into stoppage time at the other end, Jamie Robson released Billy King clean through on goal but Smith made an excellent double save to deny him.

Overall, City were well beaten on the day by their Tayside neighbours – not helped by a catastrophic start to both halves. Next up for the reds is a home game against Jim Duffy’s Morton side on Saturday.

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Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1 Livingston 1

Another good point on the road for Livi.

Morton 1 St Mirren 1

Share of the spoils in the Renfrewshire derby.

Queen of the South 0 Dumbarton 0

Stalemate at Palmerston.