Scotland: Dundee derby proves to be a thriller
Dundee United 2 - 2 Dundee
Dundee twice came from behind to deny Dundee United a victory in their Scottish Premiership return, as the first city derby in over two years lived up to its billing as the game of the weekend.
After a dull start on Saturday with two 0-0 draws, three early goals set the new top-flight season ablaze.
Dundee gave their hosts a guard of honour before last season's Championship flag was raised, then left Kristijan Trapanovski plenty of space to slot the opener after just 13 minutes.
Seb Palmer-Houlden equalised from close range five minutes later, but Miller Thomson restored United's lead with a similar finish—all within the first 15 minutes of the game.
United deserved their lead, but Dundee finished stronger in a thrilling end that saw a Luke McCowan penalty 11 minutes from time.
Dundee United now remain unbeaten in seven derbies, while Dundee have not won at Tannadice in their last 13 visits.
Both teams came into the game after scoring freely in the League Cup group stage, and they continued in the same vein.
United had already looked more dangerous when debutant Jort van der Sande set up the unmarked Trapanovski to slot home his fourth goal of the season from 16 yards with precision.
On-loan Bristol City striker Palmer-Houlden was quick to react and grab his fourth goal of the season after Simon Murray's low drive was parried by returning Luton Town loanee Jack Walton.
Thomson then scored his first United goal from close range following a superb low cross from Vicko Sevelj.
Lyall Cameron prevented United from getting a third when he cleared a Trapanovski chip over Jon McCracken off the line after the break. However, Dundee had the final say after Ross Graham’s studs-first tackle on Murray’s ankle resulted in a penalty.
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Murray to the rescue for Dundee
The away side made the short journey down Tannadice Street buoyed by a perfect League Cup record, scoring 18 goals, and last season's top-six Premiership finish.
Early signs suggest that both teams have improved squads from last term due to summer signings.
Ethan Ingram was quiet, and fellow wing-back Ziyad Larkeche had a tough time against United’s Thomson as the 21-year-old Queens Park Rangers loanee made his Dundee debut.
Derby Day Dundee United VS Dundee pic.twitter.com/iu1JaZYL5O
— Connor Blake (@connordfc11) August 4, 2024
Though United managed to prevent Murray from adding to his five goals in two games on his return to Tannadice in Dark Blue for the second time, Dundee can thank the striker’s tenacity for securing a point and sharing the city bragging rights.
