United 2 Dumbarton 0

Dundee United get back to winning ways with a 2-0 win against Dumbarton. Goals from McMullan and Mohsni in the first half set the tone in a game which United dominated and should have won in more convincing fashion. The two sides meet again on Saturday and United will look to get their finishing boots on in their quest for the all-important play-off places.

By Ian Isbister

First Half: United went into tonight’s game knowing only a win would do after seeing them drop points in their last five matches, resulting in the quest for that elusive play-off spot becoming ever more precarious. With two games in hand over nearest rivals Dunfermline it was all the more important that United kept up the pressure. Manager Csaba Lazlo kept faith in the same starting eleven that drew 1-1 away to Greenock Morton on Saturday.

It was United who were quickest off the blocks, McMullan’s pace paying dividends in the early exchanges, and his link up play with Celtic loanee Ralston in particular causing problems for the Dumbarton defence.  Both Stanton and McDonald went close from long range efforts and despite United dominating possession in the opening 20 minutes, it was Dumbarton’s Callum Gallagher who came closest to breaking the deadlock. Through on goal from a neat Hutton pass, he found himself one on one with Lewis. The initial hesitation from the keeper gave the striker the advantage but Lewis’s quick reflexes were just enough to prevent the away side taking a shock lead. United continued to press and in the 26th minute, the ever-lively McDonald was unlucky to see his rifling shot skim past the post. McDonald then turned provider in the 30th minute when his cross was met perfectly by the oncoming McMullan to score his 9th goal of the season. It was no more than United deserved after having the bulk of the possession. As United gained confidence from their lead it also sparked Dumbarton into life. Lewis again came to United’s rescue, with Callum Gallagher again seeing his shot saved. With the game now stretched it was end to end stuff. Ralston continued to play in a more advanced role and his perseverance almost led to United adding a second. His first time effort from the 18-yard line was blocked but as he followed up on the rebound was unlucky to see his second shot deflected for a corner. In the last minute of the first half United doubled their advantage. Good build-up play from Flood saw the ball played out to McMullan on the right wing. The winger’s cross was hit quickly and with pace which took the visitors' defence by surprise and found Mohsni in the box to knock home his second goal in two games.

Second Half: United continued to dominate possession, whilst Dumbarton looked to create chances on the break. Flood was the instigator of most of United’s attacks. The Irishman’s willingness to drive forward at every opportunity caused no end of problems for Dumbarton, and he nearly provided Mohsni with his second goal of the game in 49 minutes as Flood’s hanging cross was narrowly missed by the tall defender with the empty net waiting. Minutes later and it was McMullan again who came close and he was unlucky to come up against a goalkeeper in good form - United’s eight shots on target and eight corners throughout the game would have been rewarded with more goals had it not been for the former Scotland under 21 goalkeeper.  On a rain soaked night that had required a pitch inspection prior to the game, the heavy pitch was now taking its toll on both sets of players. By 80 mins the pace of the game had slowed down and but for the odd glimpse of trickery from Fraser it was a case of counting down the clock for both sides. 

United leapfrog Morton into 4th place and now sit level on points with Dunfermline with two games in hand over the Pars now more vital than ever. 

Man of the Match - Billy King. On another day King could have had several assists, but for the wayward shooting of United’s strike force. His trickery down the left wing created chance after chance. United have been guilty of not creating enough movement up front this season but tonight’s 19 shots, 8 on target, were mainly down to King’s hard work in the final third.

Dundee United: Lewis, Murdoch, Durnan, McMullan, McDonald (Mikkelsen 88), King, Stanton (Slater 72), Flood ©, Smith (Fraser 58), Ralston, Mohsni

Subs not used - Deniz (GK), Edjenguele, Robson, Gillespie

Dumbarton: Gallacher, McLaughlin, Dowie ©, Gallagher (Stewart 69), Wilson (Gallagher 60), Hutton (Burt 78), Froxylias, Handling, Dick, Stirling, Barr

Subs not used - Ewings (GK), Walsh, Hill, Nisbit

Referee - Kevin Clancy

Assistant Referees -  Graeme Stewart and Billy Baxter

Attendance 3,620