United Secure Two Points In Betfred Opener

Ray McKinnon's hopes of getting off to a winning start were dashed by a stoppage time Arbroath equaliser in tonight's Betfred League Cup group game at Gayfield. But there was the consolation of a bonus point after United won the penalty shoot-out 5-3. By Peter Rundo There was a quiet start to the match. Apart from Arbroath's Bobby Linn firing a firing free kick straight at Cammy Bell, little of note happened in the opening 15 minutes. However, United then began to exert some pressure, but that brought nothing more than a succession of corners. But on 19 minutes, the Terrors went close to going ahead, Tope Obadeyi drilling in a low shot that Mutch recovered to block Simon Murray's follow up effort. And a minute later, Lewis Toshney crashed a drive over. The only other close call of a lacklustre half came eight minutes from the interval when Murray failed to cnvert a cross from skipper Paul Dixon from right in front of goal. The home side continued to frustrate United after break, but Murray was unlucky not to give the Tangerines the lead when his cracking drive from 20 yards thumped against the base of the post after 64 minutes. Midway through the half, Ray McKinnon made his first substitutions with Spittal and Obadeyi being replaced by Johnson and newcomer Cammy Smith - the fifth debutant of the evening. Ten minutes from time, the Manager made another change, Henri Anier replacing the hard-working Murray. And with five minutes left that substitution paid dividends, Anier drilling home from 15 yards after a Cammy Smith pass was deflected into his path. But in time added on, Colin Hamilton scored from close range, though there was more than a hint of handball, to earn the Red Lichties an unlikely draw.