SUMMARY: UNITED 1 BRECHIN 0

It took an 80th minute goal from Scott McDonald to finally break down the resistance of Brechin City as United's 100% league record continued at Tannadice this afternoon. 

FIRST HALF:

Inside the opening minute there was an opportunity for the hosts when Fraser played in Billy King but his shot inside the box was blocked by the visiting defence. In the 10th minute Scott Fraser forced a fine one handed save from Brechin keeper Graeme Smith after cutting in from the right and curling a lovely left foot shot towards goal.

Despite being almost completely dominated Brechin did fire a warning shot in 19 minutes when Kalvin Orsi's cross to the far post sailed just out of the reach of Andy Jackson who had ghosted in. Moments after Jackson then clipped a dangerous ball across the six yard box which the home rearguard cleared. After a crude challenge in the Brechin half United had a free kick opportunity in the 26th minute and James Keatings delivery sailed over the defence forcing Smith to claw the ball away before Scott McDonald had his effort on the rebound blocked. It wasn't all one way traffic at this stage with the Angus side coming more into it but despite some joy down either flank were failing to create a meaningful opening. Keatings almost reached a through ball in 37 minutes with Smith just making it there first. Keatings took the free kick and McDonald headed over from close range before there was a real let off for United. A cross from Jordan Sinclair was turned onto the post by Mark Durnan's outstretched leg before Harry Lewis came out to gather. Therefore after a dominant opening spell there was a bit to think about for Ray McKinnon as we reached half time with the game still goalless.

SECOND HALF:

The half time talk in the home dressing room would undoubtedly have been about taking the game to Brechin from the restart, but it was the visitors who first seriously threatened to make the breakthrough. 5 minutes after the break it required a last ditch tackle from Quinn to halt Jackson who had broken clear and then Lewis was forced into a top class save when he turned over a rasping shot from outside the area by Sinclair. After good hold up play in the box by Orsi, Jackson then had another chance but slipped his shot wide as the concern within the United ranks intensified.

On the hour mark there was a half chance for United when a clever pass by Fraser released McDonald but his shot veered off target as he took the ball on whilst slightly off balance. Having struggled with their delivery from corners for much of the game this time King sent in a teasing ball to the back post which found Durnan lurking but the couldn't direct a header towards goal. With little under 20 minutes to go McDonald's cross from the left flashed across the face of goal as the tide appeared to be turning in United's favour. An injury to Fraser ended his afternoon early with midweek scorer Patrick N'Koyi coming on in his place and in the 80th minute the big front man was to play a part as the deadlock was finally broken.

A superb headed knock down from N'Koyi allowed King to drive down the right flank and his ball into the box eventually fell to McDonald who despatched into the net from close range. N'Koyi again showed a glimpse of his ability when he spun his man on the right and swung in a superb cross which was cleared for a corner as McDonald looked poised to double his tally. From the corner N'Koyi should really have done better however as King's ball found him unmarked at the back post but his attempt was off target.

In the dying moments there was a heart stopping moment for the terrors when the ball fell to Sean Crighton at the edge of the box and he hooked a right foot shot which didn't clear the crossbar by much. In the end a hard earned three points were secured and United's place at the summit assured for another week.

United - Lewis, Murdoch, Durnan, Quinn, McDonald, Fraser (N'Koyi 76), King, Stanton, Robson, Keatings (Flood 61), Fyvie. Subs not used - Mehmet, Toshney, N'Koyi, Edjenguele, Allardice, Chalmers.

Brechin - Smith, McLean, Dyer, Dale, Graham, Jackson (Layne 81), Lynas (C O'Neill 86), Spark (Watt 72), Orsi, Crighton, Sinclair. Subs not used - P O'Neill, Love, Ford.

Attendance - 6060

Referee - Euan Anderson