Dundee United 1 Arbroath 1 (3 -5 pens)

United lose on penalties after a hard fought 1-1 draw against neighbours Arbroath in the Betfred Cup.

By Ian Isbister

First Half - Dundee United kicked off their first competitive fixture of the season with six signings making their debuts in the starting 11. After narrowly missing out through the play-offs last season, manager Csaba  Laszlo has strengthened his squad with 10 new players for this season. Arbroath would be looking to get their season off to a good start as they seek promotion from League 1 under the guidance of manager Dick Campbell. 
United started brightly and had plenty of the ball, but it was Arbroath who had the first chance of the game after only five minutes. A run by Gold was matched by United’s Glass, and, as the Arbroath player went down in the box, referee Bobby Madden pointed to the spot. Unfortunately no VAR to call on in this game. Arbroath’s Ryan Wallace stepped up to take the penalty but his effort was wide past the diving Siegrist’s right hand post, much to the despair of the travelling Lichties fans.

United settled in to the game after this early let off, with Aird, Glass and Clark looking lively up front. At the back, the new defensive partnership of Frans and Murdoch were kept busy with the lively Wallace. The Arbroath player clearly looking to make amends for his penalty miss. United’s new right back Wardrop was keen to show his talents and his continued runs down the right flank provided McMullan with plenty of chances. As the game ebbed and flowed it had all the hallmarks of a pre-season friendly rather than a league cup game. Arbroath’s part time players were showing they had put in some hard graft over the last few weeks as they matched United in all departments. United’s first real effort on goal came after 24 minutes when a long looping cross was met by McMullan on the volley. Despite a great connection on the ball his effort was just over Jamieson’s crossbar. 

The game was being largely played in the midfield third, with United’s Glass and Arbroath’s McKenna battling it out, without creating any clear cut chances. As the first half came to a close, neither side were winning on points, and both managers would be looking for more in the second half.

Half time - Dundee United 0 Arbroath 0

Second Half - Neither side made any changes going into the second half, as United picked up the pace with two early corners, the second eventually resulting in a cross which Frans just headed wide. United continued to press and some neat trickery on the edge of the box led to Glass finding space to get a first time shot in, which Jamieson held at the second attempt. Aird was next to come close with a rasping effort just over the bar after 50 minutes. Manager Csaba Laszlo had clearly told his players at half time to pick up the tempo and press the Arbroath defence at every opportunity. United were now dominating the possession but couldn’t find a way past the resolute Arbroath defence. Aird was controlling much of the play from just outside the box. Arbroath’s first sight of the United goal in the second half came in 70 minutes when a foul by Stanton on Swankie resulted in a Linn free kick just going over the crossbar. 

United made their possession count in 77 minutes when a cross from Aird was caught on the volley from Clark as he raced into the box. The despairing Jamieson could only look on as Clark’s shot flew past and into the Arbroath goal to give United the lead. Arbroath’s players protested to the referee and linesman but Clark was deemed to have stayed onside as he latched onto Aird’s cross.

United’s joy was short lived as Arbroath were awarded a second penalty of the game for a foul on Hester on 81 minutes amongst a stramash in the United box. Linn stepped up and slotted home past Siegrist to make it 1-1 with 10 minutes remaining. The equaliser livened things up as both sides pressed for the winner. Arbroath were now the livelier of the two sides and the introduction of Hester had made a big difference up front for the visitors. The 443 travelling fans from Gayfield were certainly enjoying their side’s efforts against bigger opposition. As referee Bobby Madden blew his whistle for full time at 1-1, both managers will no doubt have learned plenty about their respective sides. 

As with all Betfred Cup group stage matches, the game now went straight to penalties for the winners to gain a bonus point. United scored their first 3 penalties through Murdoch, Aird and McMullan but it was Logan Chalmers's missed penalty that would prove costly and give Arbroath the extra point.

Man of the Match - Nicky Clark. As much for his running off the ball to create chances as his well taken goal to give United the lead.

Attendance - 2,939

Dundee United - Siegrist, Murdoch (C), Frans, McMullan, Clark, Stanton, Robson, Rabitsch, Wardrop, Glass, (Chalmers 73), Aird,
Subs not used - Rakovan (GK), Booth, Smith, Allardice, Scobbie, Ward,

Arbroath - Jamieson, Thomson, Hamilton, Little (C), O’Brien, Gold (Hester 71), Kader, McKenna, Wallace, Swankie (Whitley 71), Linn,
Subs not used - Hill (GK), Denholm,

Referee - Bobby Madden,
Assistants - Gary Hilland and Colin McAlpine,

Bookings - Arbroath - Linn (55),