QOTS 3 United 0

It was a disappointing afternoon in the Dumfries sunshine as United failed to continue their recent upturn in form going down to a determined Queen of the South team. Consolation however was to come in the shape of a 95th minute goal for Dunfermline in Inverness which confirmed United’s place in the play-offs.

By David Rennie

Manager Csaba Laszlo made three changes to the team which won 5 – 0 at Brechin on Tuesday night. Robson and Gillespie were replaced by Scobbie and McDonald in the starting XI, while Lyng replaced Smith on the bench

As the teams emerged from the tunnel, they were welcomed by a lovely spring afternoon and it was the home team who started off the brightest, creating a number of early chances to open the scoring. Despite these warnings, QOS took the lead in the 9th minute, Dykes finishing from close range.

United had a chance to level four minutes later, King doing well to beat a number of QOTS defenders and when it looked like he had done enough to create the shooting opportunity he chose to pass wide to McMullan but his cross was easily dealt with by Leighfield in the QOTS goal.

United went close again in the 18th minute; a corner caused chaos in the home defence and Ralston headed it towards goal only for the ball to be cleared off the line for another corner.

A minute later it was QOTS who almost scored with the league’s top scorer Stephen Dobbie threatening.  His first shot was blocked and his second effort forced Deniz into making a save.

Scott McDonald, frustrated by his lack of involvement in the game, hit a shot from 30 yards which went wide of target.

United's frustration would increase further in the 31st minute when the home team doubled their advantage courtesy of Thomson.

With United now up against it, McDonald laid off for Billy King but his shot was well over.

King would be involved again minutes later and this time his shot saved by Leighfield.

As United looked to pull a goal back before half time, Ralston and McDonald had efforts both off target.

Half Time: QOTS 2 United 0

Lyng having replaced McMullan at half time, United started the second half on the front foot with Murdoch and Mikkelsen both missing the target in the opening stages.

Leighfield was called into action in the 52nd minute, comfortably catching a Ralston cross after good play by United on the right hand side.

In the 58th minute, Deniz was sharp off his line to make a crucial block and prevent a certain third goal for the hosts.  Scott Fraser then replaced Billy King.

Two minutes later, Dobbie went close to scoring but thankfully his shot flashed just wide of goal.

In the 68th minute, United had strong claims for a penalty as Scott McDonald looked to have been fouled but the referee had little interest and waved play on.

The Australian was be involved in United’s next passage of play, his shot taking a slight deflection and going out for a corner.

In the 73rd minute United won a free kick 22 yards from goal. Both McDonald and Fraser were over it but it was the latter who took the shot, firing it well over.

With 15 minutes left, United would make their final change, Edjenguele replacing Mikkelsen with Mohsni moving up front.

Within two minutes of this change, QOTS scored their third of the game to secure the three points. Amazingly, it was scorer Murray’s first touch of the game having only just come on as a substitute.

United went close in the 81st minute but McDonald’s powerful shot hit the bar which just about summed up the afternoon.

United went on to create a number of half chances before the final whistle but in truth didn’t really trouble Leighfield in the home goal.

Full Time: QOTS 3 United 0

Man of the Match – In an afternoon that disappointed the travelling Tangerine Army, Scott McDonald who battled for the full 90 minutes and almost gave United a glimmer of hope with his shot which struck the crossbar takes the award.

Queen of the South – Leighfield, Marshall, Fordyce, Brownlie, Thomas (Murray 75), Dobbie (c) (Lyle 80), Thomson, Jacobs, Todd (Rooney 86), Mercer, Dykes

Subs – Lyle (GK), Bell

Dundee United – Deniz, Murdoch, Scobbie, McMullan (Lyng 46), McDonald, Mikkelsen (Edjenguele 75), King (Fraser 58 ), Stanton, Flood (c), Ralston, Mohsni

Subs not used  – Lewis (GK), Robson, Gillespie

Attendance: 1531