Key Takeaways
- Will Ferry scored two goals and created one assist in a man-of-the-match performance
- Dundee United gained revenge for previous derby defeats at Tannadice Park
- The loss leaves Dundee just five points clear of the relegation play-off position
Dundee United secured a dominant 3-0 victory over city rivals Dundee in the Scottish Premiership derby at Tannadice Park. Wing-back Will Ferry was the hero, netting twice and providing the assist for Ryan Strain’s header in front of 13,207 supporters.
The home side started brightly and almost scored in the third minute when Zac Sapsford robbed Yan Dhanda and raced through on goal, but goalkeeper Jon McCracken saved his effort. Dundee responded with a chance of their own, yet defender Luke Graham fired wide from a good position.
United broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. Ferry passed to Sapsford inside the penalty area, and the ball took a fortunate deflection off Graham and Ferry before hitting the post and crossing the line. Dundee nearly equalised when Graham volleyed towards goal, but Iurie Iovu cleared off the line with a brave header.
In the 24th minute, Neil Farrugia cut inside from the wing and struck a low shot that beat McCracken but rebounded off the inside of the post. Dundee thought they had levelled in the 35th minute when Westley headed home from close range, but the video referee disallowed the goal for handball by Billy Koumetio.
The second half remained quiet until the 70th minute, when Ferry collected the ball at the corner of the box and drilled a low shot into the net via the inside of the post. Just two minutes later, the wing-back crossed perfectly from the left, allowing Strain to power a header past McCracken and seal the win.
Dundee manager Steven Pressley admitted his side were second best after the interval. “The first half was quite even, but we never got going in the second half. United were worthy winners,” he said. He promised a strong response next week against St Mirren as his team battles to avoid relegation.
United boss Jim Goodwin heaped praise on Ferry. “I am delighted for Will. He started the season slowly but grew into it. Other clubs will be watching him, but he remains under contract with us,” said Goodwin. He revealed that the painful memory of throwing away a two-goal lead in the previous derby at Dens Park had motivated his players.
The victory keeps Dundee United in seventh place in the Scottish Premiership table.