Dundee United 2 Dunfermline 0

Ray McKinnon made three changes to the United line up for the all or nothing Betfred League Cup group match against Dunfermline. By Gareth Scott Jamie Robson, Scott Fraser and Tope Obadeyi came in with Paul Dixon and Cammy Smith missing out through injury and Blair Spittal dropping to the bench. United knew prior to the game that if they avoided defeat they would progress to the knock out stage of the competition. First Half United started the game brightly with some slick passing and with only four minutes gone Obadeyi fired in a low cross that the keeper just managed to intercept and the ball was swept clear by Ben Everton. Two minutes later United should have taken the lead. A loose pass by McCabe was well read by Murray who stole in behind the defence and with only the Hutton to beat the Pars keeper made a good save. The visitors had their first chance with nine minutes on the clock when Everton headed a Higginbotham corner over the bar. Shortly after, a fine flowing move from United ended with a shot from Fraser that deflected narrowly wide. Fraser then went close again when his left foot shot flew just over the bar. United were looking the more threatening with Obadeyi causing problems on the left and with 27 minutes gone his lay off to van der Velden resulted in the Dutchman firing in a low shot that missed the target by inches. Dunfermline then had their best effort of the afternoon when Everton met Higginbotham's corner but his header was well saved by Bell. With five minutes of the half remaining Toshney and Cardle clashed in the United box but despite a loud appeal from the visiting fans the referee waved play on. United's final chance of the half again fell to van der Velden. Robson made a surging run from defence and found Flood who in turn flicked to his team mate and his long range shot was saved to the left by Hutton. Second Half Three minutes after the break United took a well deserved lead. Jamie Robson did brilliantly on the left and his cross was headed by Obadeyi into the path of Simon Murray who nodded the ball home from eight yards out. Cammy Bell then made a tremendous save from an Ashcroft header although the linesman had flagged for offside against the former Killie man. Willo Flood was in great form for United and he went close with a side footed shot that just missed the target. With an hour of the match gone United went close again. Obadeyi collected the ball on the half way line and after a fine solo run his lofted shot was deflected just wide of target. Flood again tried to get his name on the scoresheet but once again his shot went just over. The Irishman was certainly making his mark on the game and with 15 minutes to go Fraser laid the ball into his path and his powerful shout was well held by Hutton. At this point United looked the far more likely to add to their tally and van der Velden was very close once again when he curled his effort just off target. With ten minutes remaining United sealed the victory their play deserved. Everton pulled back Anier at the edge of the box and was cautioned for the foul. Scott Fraser stepped up and scored with a brilliant direct free kick. The remainder of the match was played out with a flurry of substitutions but United ran home comfortable winners and secured their place in the draw for the last sixteen. Summing Up - a very decent display and more importantly a fine result for United. United dominated possession and chances and more than deserve their place in the next round. In addition they move on to the start of the league campaign in a positive mood. Man of the match - Willo Flood put in a tremendous display in the middle of the park. He broke up play and put in a number of fine tackles and passes. He was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet on what was a good day for the home side. Teams: United: Bell, Toshney, Robson, Donaldson, Durnan, Flood, Murdoch, Fraser, van der Velden (Telfer 86), Obadeyi (Spittal 68), Murray (Anier 77) Subs: Zwick, Souttar, Dillon, Johnson Dunfermline: Hutton, Talbot, Martin, Ashcroft, Everton, Spence, McCabe (McMullan 36), Wedderburn (Thomas 77) (Lochhead 90) Moffat, Higginbotham, Cardle Subs: Gill, Smith, Paton, Fordyce Referee : John McKendrick Attendance : 4951