United win on Dundee derby day
Dundee 1 - 2 Dundee United
Top scorer Sam Dalby struck a dramatic late winner to hand Dundee United a thrilling derby victory at Dens Park, lifting Jim Goodwin's newly-promoted side to third place in the table.
Dundee took the lead in the second half through Simon Murray's penalty, awarded after a VAR check confirmed Kevin Holt’s handball. But United responded swiftly, with Vicko Sevelj nodding in an equaliser just four minutes later. Then, with two minutes left on the clock, Wrexham loanee Dalby smashed home his 10th goal of the season following a marauding run and pinpoint cross from Holt.
Dalby’s clinical finish past Dundee goalkeeper Trevor Carson sent the packed away end into raptures and ensured United leapfrogged Aberdeen on goal difference. Meanwhile, the defeat sees Dundee slip to ninth.
The result extends United’s impressive form, with just one loss in their last nine matches, and maintains their unbeaten run in eight consecutive derbies against their city rivals.
A closer look at more late drama involving Dundee United
United have made a habit of scoring late, with Dalby’s strike marking their 16th goal in the final 15 minutes of league games this season – and this one was arguably the sweetest of the lot.
This knack for last-gasp heroics has become a hallmark of Goodwin’s side, visibly boosting the players’ confidence. In a tightly contested match, it was United who found an extra gear as the clock ticked down.
Holt and Ryan Strain both went close before Dalby’s winner, a move that showcased brilliant team play. Emmanuel Adegboyega’s strength in possession, Will Ferry’s floated pass, and Holt’s precision cross all combined perfectly to set up the decisive moment.
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The jubilant celebrations at full-time underlined the strong bond between the players and fans, as United’s incredible form has sparked dreams of European football next season. With Aberdeen now behind them, talk of continental adventures come May is no longer far-fetched.
While Dalby’s winner grabbed the headlines, the equaliser highlighted United’s versatility. Their long-throw tactic paid dividends once again, with Sevelj ghosting in at the back post – echoing Holt’s decisive goal against Aberdeen in their previous game.
Dundee’s defensive struggles prove costly
For Dundee, defensive lapses were their undoing. Only Ross County and St Johnstone have conceded more goals in the Premiership, and the manner of their collapse here will frustrate manager Tony Docherty.
Despite Murray’s coolly taken penalty giving Dundee control, defensive errors let United back into the game. Seb Palmer-Houlden’s misjudged header turned into an assist for Sevelj’s equaliser, while a lack of defensive organisation allowed Holt and Dalby to exploit gaps for the winner.
Dundee’s backline must tighten up if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. With St Johnstone up next, followed by daunting back-to-back fixtures against Rangers and Celtic, Docherty faces a crucial period to shore up his defence.
