United 2 Alloa 1

United snatch all three points as Nicky Clark’s winner gives the home side a 2-1 win.

By Ian Isbister

United started the game with the same line up that finished Tuesday night’s win against Ross County. Bouhenna and Cammy Smith retained their places after coming on as substitutes, whilst Pawlett dropped down to the bench. Connolly missed out altogether after being injured in the County win. 

Alloa had had a two week lay-off as their match against Morton was postponed last weekend. A run of bad results for the Wasps had seen Jim Godwin’s side at the foot of the Championship, three points adrift of Partick Thistle.

If United had been hoping for a blistering start to the game then their aspirations were short lived as Alloa took a shock lead in the 6th minute. A hopeful cross into the box was only half cleared by Siegrist and as the ensuing scramble caught the United keeper off his line, Kirkpatrick was in the right place at the right time to knock home from close range. United don’t do things the easy way and it looked like another 90 mins of uphill struggle.

The ever faithful Arabs were quickly on their feet to roar on the home side and were looking for a quick response. United quickly rallied and the onslaught was coming from all corners as United looked for the equaliser. McMullan was his usual sprightly self and his link up play with Robson and Butcher gave the Alloa defence plenty to deal with. United’s midfield was seeing plenty of the ball but struggled to reach Clark up front.

It took until the 27th minute for United to get the all important equaliser and it had a touch of fortune in it for the home side. A deflected shot eventually found its way into the Alloa 6 yard box and the ball ricocheted off Graham past the despairing Parry. United deserved their equaliser but it had more to do with misfortune than skill. At this stage of the season every little bit of luck helps. The home side then tried to capitalise on being back in the game. First up was Stanton in 33 minutes whose fine shot was well held by Parry. Just three minutes later, Smith was unlucky as his long range shot was parried by Parry, as Clark raced in for the follow up.

As the first half drew to a close, it was Bouhenna who found himself upfield and his long range effort was just narrowly over the crossbar. As referee Nick Walsh blew for half-time at 1-1, United had seen plenty of possession but just needed to capitalise in the final third.

Second Half:

United were quickest off the blocks in the second half and had two quick corners in succession from Pawlett. Both well held by Parry in the Alloa goal. With Robson revelling in his now more forward position down the United left, the youngster was seeing plenty of the ball. His link-up play with Booth was paying dividends and giving United their best chance of scoring. In 55 minutes, Robson’s pass to Pawlett led to an inviting cross which Watson was unlucky to head just over. 10 minutes later and Watson again was unlucky not to score with a powerful header. This time it was a great save by Parry that kept the Recreation Park side in the game. 

United looked to have run out of steam and ideas in the last ten minutes. Alloa’s resolute defence had weathered the storm and they must have felt that a valuable point was in sight. Their hope was short lived though as the winner came with just seven minutes remaining. Again, good build up play from Robson led to Booth finding himself in a great position down the left flank. His inch perfect cross was met in the middle of the Alloa goal by the onrushing Clark who had the simplest of tap-ins. 

United played smartly for the remaining 10 mins and kept the ball as far up the park and in the corners as possible. It may have looked like a lot of huff and puff from the home side but Robbie Neilson will be delighted to have grabbed all three points, and reduced the deficit to Ross County to five points. United now play Dunfermline Athletic on Tuesday at East End Park in the re-arranged fixture. 

Man of the Match - Jamie Robson. The youngster’s switch from left back to left midfield continues to pay dividends as another fine display earns him today’s award. 

Dundee United- Siegrist, Booth, McMullan, Clark, Stanton, (Harkes 66 mins), Robson, Butcher, Bouhenna, C.Smith (Pawlett 42 mins),Reynolds, Watson (Seaman 76 mins),
Subs not used - Laidlaw (GK), Fyvie, Nesbitt, M.Smith, 

Alloa Athletic - Parry, Taggart, Graham, Robertson, Dick, Kirkpatrick, Hetherington (Karadachki 86 mins),Flannigan, Zanatta, Trouten (Cawley 62 mins), Shields (Hamilton 76 mins),
Subs not used - Brown,  Peggie, Henry,

Referee - Nick Walsh

Booked:

United - Bouhenna 53 mins, Robson 82 mins, Seaman 88 mins,
Alloa - Hetherington 80 mins,

Attendance: 4,645