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Ian Harkes is the winner of raucous Tannadice
Ian Harkes shared his Dundee derby story with a late winner, as United won the Scottish Premiership meeting.
Harkes, who scored a spectacular strike in a 6-2 Championship victory two years ago, won a win to secure victory. This will extend Dundee’s streak of success without Tannadice to eleven games.
James McPake was a great player in the build-up to snapping that 17 year run, but his side couldn't live up to his rhetoric.
Dundee had the best chance of winning a closely-contested scuffle. Jordan Marshall was denied by Ryan Edwards’ goalline clearance in stoppage time and Leigh Griffiths somehow smashed over from six yards.
They are currently searching for their first win since being promoted and are seven points behind city rivals in this division.
United are now in the top half of the table after keeping a clean sheet in six league matches and winning the third single goal of the term.
In keeping with their wins, Thomas Courts' team won the points by making the most out of the few opportunities they had.
They laughed and puffed, but didn't open a compact Dundee very often. Harkes' fine strike - which was arrowed past Adam Ledzgins at 20 yards - came after another failed incision.
Peter Pawlett was their main threat, although he was positioned on the left side of a front trio but was always bustling infield when he felt like it.
Similar to his shooting, it was also haphazard. The first attempt caused some consternation when it rattled around in the directors' box. A few moments later, another attempt crashed into the fleshy masses of United fans at the lower tier.
Pawlett was moving closer to the goal, but his third attempt failed to reach the post's base with the help of Legzdins' fingers. After a clever spin, he burst at its edge.
It seemed that this effort was able to briefly ignite something in United. Charlie Mulgrew's free kick whistled just past Harkes, who then evaded Liam Fontaine by doing a pirouette and flip through his legs before Lee Ashcroft's goal-saving intervention stopped him.
Marc McNulty and Dylan Levitt had modest efforts and Harkes struck just as Dundee appeared to be gaining the ascendancy.
McPake may rue the other shortcomings of his players despite a good performance by the visitors. Their ineptitude at goal, for one.
Not surprising, considering his history with Dundee. Griffiths was playing in this derby for the first time. Two flashes of sudden menace suggest that he might be the matchwinner.
In the first 15 minutes, he was taunted by Jordan Marshall crosses. He looped a header agonisingly past and then had a flashing attempt shovelled away from the returning Benji Siegrist.
Given his poor match fitness, it was not surprising that he quit the game. However, the loan Celtic striker should have scored in the second period when Shaun Byrne's shot was blocked. But he recklessly swiped the bar from close by.
Dundee had the chance to level after the concession. Cillian Sheridan was denied by Mulgrew, who made a well-timed challenge to Marshall.
It would have been difficult to argue that it was undeserved had it gone in. Instead, Dundee continues to wait for a Tannadice victory.
Just moments before Dundee United scored, Leigh Griffiths of Dundee dominated from six yards.
What have we learned?
United failed to score in three of five Premiership matches this term and only one in the two other. They struggled to create clear openings on Sunday with McNulty being a frustrated and isolated player at the attack point.
Harkes' goal was all that was visible for now. Courts' approach to that lack of creativity could make or break their season. Courts looks solid defensively and is diligent in midfield.
Similar problems seem to be facing Dundee. They are well-structured, committed and only had Griffiths' initial efforts to show their effort until late. They still search for their first league win since promotion.
McPake's players, McPake and his fans might be more uncomfortable if this continues for longer.
Jeando Fuchs is the Man of Match
Jeando Fuchs, an unstoppable presence in United's midfield, was a constant presence, moving around endlessly, taking on challenges and communicating intelligently. He was the benchmark.
They said it!
Thomas Courts, Dundee United's head coach: "It was exhilarating. It was a thrilling moment.
"The game went as we had hoped. We were rewarded with a victory today. It was a tremendous effort by the players. We now have a fantastic game with Hibernian on Thursday (League Cup tie).
What's next?
St Johnstone hosts Dundee in the League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday, 19:45 BST. Rangers will host Dens next Saturday (15:00). United will welcome Hibernian into the cup on Thursday (19.45), before traveling to face Celtic (15:00) three day later.
Siegrist Benjamin Siegrist was the player of the match with an average 8.92 Dundee Utd Dundee United Dundee United
Dundee Dundee Dundee Dundee United avg Squad Number 1 Player Name Mulgrew Average Rating 7.92 Squad Number 19 Player Name Levitt Average Rating 7.34 Squad Number 9 Player Name Smith Average Rating 6.54 Squad No. 7 Player Player named McMann Average Rating 6.52 Squad no. 10 Player player name Ashcroft Average ranking 4.67 Squad # 8 Player number McMann Average ratings 4.65 Squad numbers 8 Player number McMann Average rate 4.65 Squad amount 10 Player number McGowan Average ranking 4.65 Squad name McMullan Squad name McMullan Squad name McMullan Squad name McMullan Squad name McMullan Squad name McMullan Squad of 35 Squad name McMullan Squad.
