Dundee United Review

The early goal should have settled us down and it was great to see David Partridge find the back of the net. The big lad has never been without his critics since his arrival at Fir Park but over the last season and a half he has been very consistent for us. True, he is not the flashiest player around but he’s good in the air and developing a knack of being in the right place to make blocks. On the downside, there were times when the full backs made sloppy passes or played themselves into trouble. This was not a crucial factor against a side like United but it is something which we must strive to iron out of our game.

Good communication is the key...

United could have pulled back twice on the stroke of half time but a combination of bad finishing and good luck kept them out. An equaliser then might have changed the course of the game but you can only play the situation given to you and it was not our fault United missed their chances. Similarly, when Archibald slipped, McDonald could have let him off had he not been sharp. There are always going to be bits of luck in games and the result usually depends on how you react to them.

We pressed forward and had we scored a quick third the floodgates could easily have opened. Instead, United managed to solidify themselves and to be honest we just seemed to give up. It would have been nice to rattle in a few more goals but there are more big games coming up and it is hard to criticise the players for wanting to keep something in the tank with the game in the bag.

Terry Butcher was still demanding high standards right to the end though and it was very pleasing to see him out on the touchline venting his anger when we gave the ball away. This was in pleasing contrast to Ian McCall, whose body language suggested he knew he was a beaten man and devoid of ideas.

So, another three points for the 'Well and we have another winnable game coming up next week. Livingston are on a revival but another good performance from the boys should see us leave with at least a point. It’s a good time to be a ‘Well fan!