Dunfermline 0 United 2

United’s march under Neilson goes on with a 2-0 win against Dunfermline thanks to goals from McMullan and King.

By Ian Isbister

Head Coach Robbie Neilson stated in his press conference this week that he was looking for his side to build on the momentum from his first two games in charge, and for the team to go on a consistent run of picking up points. After a win and a draw in those first two matches, United went into today’s game with Dunfermline Athletic with an air of confidence that they could build on those results - a confidence that was clearly felt by the large numbers of Arabs travelling to the Kingdom of Fife as 1,100 tickets were sold to the visitors in advance of the game. By kick-off, the number of Arabs through the turnstiles was over 1,800, an incredible travelling support and a major boost for Robbie Neilson and his squad.

The Pars were at home for the third Saturday in a row and would be looking to bounce back after last weekend’s defeat to Queen of the South. Since beating United 3-2 on the opening day of the season, the Fife side have had an inconsistent start to the campaign and came into today’s game in 7th place in the Championship. 

United’s initial winning start under Neilson was halted against Inverness last week in a 1-1 draw. The big improvement in United’s performance was enough to show the ever faithful home fans that there was still plenty to play for in an increasingly tight league where any team can take points off each other. 

United went into today’s game unbeaten at East End Park since a 1-0 defeat in Craig Levein’s first season in charge back in 2007.

First Half - Head Coach Robbie Neilson kept faith with the same starting eleven that were unlucky to only pick up a point last weekend. On the bench Curran and Edjenguele came in for Barton and Robson. Pars boss Alan Johnstone made 3 changes to his side as Beading, Williamson and Hippolyte all step up from the bench.

United started the game brightly and were seeing plenty of the ball as McMullan and Safranko in particular looked for an opening. Hippolyte for Dunfermline was equally involved and his shot from the edge of the box after 8 minutes was the first real chance of the game. Siegrist in the United goal handling his low shot comfortably. Both sides were happy to keep possession in the opening exchanges without making the killer pass to open up the opposition. At the back, United’s defence looked settled with Frans and Bouhenna continuing to link up well. 

In 23 minutes United took the lead. A strong run from McMullan was only half cleared and as Safranko picked up the ball on the left wing he was fouled. The resulting free kick by Aird was met by McMullan at the near post and his header found the Pars net. McMullan’s 3rd goal of the season in all competitions. As one of the smallest players on the park, McMullan did well to lose his marker and create the space to get his header in. 

Dunfermline looked to get back into the game straight away and Hyppolyte and Louis Longridge were always involved in the Pars attack. United’s defence to their credit stood resolute and gave the Fifers no way through. In the 40th minute this was perfectly shown when an El Bakhtaoui low shot was blocked brilliantly by Bouhenna. Neilson’s experience of defending in the Scottish game clearly rubbing off on his United rearguard. 

As the first half drew to a close there hadn’t been too many clear cut chances, but a real positive for United was clearly the amount of possession they’d had in the first 45 minutes. Their passing was much improved too and showed a great deal of patience as they looked for an opening.

Half-time - 1-0 to United

Second Half - Neither side made any changes as the teams came back out for the second half. Dunfermline started on the front foot and will no doubt have been sent out with manager Alan Johnstone’s words still ringing in their ears. United meanwhile continued as they were in the first half and looked comfortable defending their lead. Notable mentions to both Safranko and McMullan during the all important 15 minutes of the second half as they defended from the front and gave the United midfield some breathing space when needed. 

In 60 minutes United doubled their advantage. Dunfermline’s Vincent lost the ball on the left and although McMullan couldn’t capitalise it did put enough pressure on Longridge who’s miscontrol fell kindly to King down the right. King cut inside onto his left foot and his perfect shot found the back of the Pars goal to make it 2-0 to United.

With the game now looking more comfortable United were able to take off King and replace him with Nicky Clark. The ex Par getting the expected reception from his old fans, especially when he received a booking within 60 seconds of coming on. United continued to be in control with Fyvie and Aird bossing the midfield area of the park, and Dunfermline being reduced to long range efforts which hardly troubled Siegrist in the United goal.

In 80 mins United were awarded a penalty. First Safranko looked to have been brought down in the box but as the referee waved play on the ball fell to McMullan. His quick feet eluded Williamson and the resulting challenge had referee Kirkland pointing to the spot. McMullan himself stepped up to take the penalty but his shot hit the outside of the right hand post and out for a goal kick. United saw out the remaining 10 minutes of the game with ease and despite a good save by Siegrist from a Ryan shot in the 93rd minute were rarely troubled. 

Today’s 2-0 win sees new Head Coach Robbie Neilson go 3 games unbeaten and give the United faithful plenty to be optimistic about. The travelling support of over 1,800 United fans in turn will no doubt be music to the ears of both the coach and players as the United revival marches on.

Man of the Match - Bouhenna. Plenty of choices for United today but the big defender deserves the accolade with another calm display at the heart of the defence.

Dundee United - Siegrist (GK), Murdoch, Booth, Frans, McMullan, Fyvie (C), King (Clark 61 mins),Stanton, Safranko (Curran 85 mins), Bouhenna, Aird (Rabitsch 78 mins),
Subs not used - Rakovan (GK), Smith, Edjenguele, Loemba,

Dunfermline Athletic - Robinson (GK), Craigen (Connolly 61 mins), J Longridge, Ashcroft (C), Devine, Beading, Vincent (Thomson 77 mins), Williamson, El Bakhtaoui, L Longridge (Ryan 70 mins), Hippolyte,
Subs not used - Gill (GK), Martin, Keena, Muirhead,

Referee - Steven Kirkland
Assistants - Drew Kirkland and David Burns