Seith is prominent with his cultured play in the Dark Blue mid-line. Likely looking attacks are few and far between. Gillespie looks dangerous out on his own until tackled by Stuart. At the other end Penman sees a header go over.
Carlyle cuts in goal-wards and beats Cousin. His shot – cum – cross slips by Cox and Liney crumples up on the ground to clutch the ball. The United wingers keep trying, but the Dundee defence has the centre tied up.
Most of the classy touches have gone from the game and needless infringements are creeping in. United fight back into the game and Liney is now the busier keeper. But Gillespie, although well policed and held by Stuart, is the only potential danger man.
In the net
Fans are puzzled in the 65th minute when Liney stands aside to allow a McDonald free kick to pass him. As the ball rolls into the back of the net the buzz of discussion runs around the ground. Pat knows the kick, giving against Seith for dangerous play towards McDonald is an indirect free kick.
Dundee seem to be relaxing and resting on their well earned first half laurels. They’re hemmed in, Gillespie sells a lovely “dummy” to Stuart one minute and shoots over the bar the next. Mochan takes a free on the very edge of the penalty box, and McDonald, ever a trier, heads past.
Its easy – oasy Dundee, Robertson has a go at goal himself when a flick to unmarked Gordon Smith would have brought a certain goal. Just as Dundee seem right out of the game Smith gets in a header, Penman sees a shot well saved by Ugolini and then Ugolini saves from Smith.
Irvine, who has never been in the game, flashes in with a shot which goes wide.
Seven minutes from time, ROBERTSON brings the game into life with a well taken goal. He beats two defenders, flicks the ball around Ugolini and nips around the keeper to shoot into the empty net.
The Dundee attack isn’t spent yet, Ugolini has to look lively to save from Penman and from Robertson.
United have shot there bolt.
Final score --- Dundee 4, Dundee United 1.
Summing up --- A grand first half. All that remained of the first half excitement was United’s dogged determination. The Tannadice Terriers could never match Dundee’s classy play. Their attack, Gillespie excepted, was weak. Denis was assisted by McDonald who never gave up.
Stars were in defence -- Graham, Briggs, Neilson and Fraser, for United, and Cox, Seith, Ure and Stuart for Dundee. Robertson was Dundee’s best forward.
Attendance – 20,000.