LOCHEE ARAB ASSESSES THE TEAM'S PERFORMANCE ON SATURDAY…

Last updated : 02 March 2003 By LA

Gallacher: Solid yet again, three or four good saves, one vital save at 2-0.

Bollan: Once he starts wearing studs he will be immense. Was a lionheart in the defence when Dunfermline adopted their mental tactics. Was made captain today and stood up to be counted.

Tod: Dominated Brewster in the air. No nonsense defending but whit the feck was he daeing up at the back post for his goal? He’s gonna be a talismanic favourite to the fans with his goal ratio.

McCracken: Had his best ever game for United in my view today. One or two rough edges exposed by Brewster on two occasions I can think of, but another who showed the courage and heart that has been lacking this season.

Patterson: Much maligned but the guy gives us something that no one else at the club gives. He puts in great crosses time and time again. Worked hard today and was just as effective when played on the right wing in the second half.

McCunnie: Great to see his confidence coming back, did his defensive duties excellently and also showed a desire to get up the wing.

Easton: Excellent. Anchored the midfield superbly and let Lattapy and Duff roam. Showed no doubt what this club means to him by his reactions at the final whistle, applauding and celebrating with each united stand. Showed a belief that sometimes lacks.

Lattapy: Reminded me of Miller when he first came to us and was showing International form. Composure, skill, ability and belief. Once he adds match fitness he will be a star- a true star. Played behind the front two and dominated the match.

Duff: If Stuart Duff ever plays better for Dundee United than he did today I can only hope I am there. Playing in the middle of the park today he was simply superb. Looked the part and covered so much ground at times I thought McCall had sent the team out with no tactics. In a 2-minute spell he went from collecting the ball from Gallacher on the left edge of the box to making a mazy run down the right wing. Showed skill and composure that I wasn’t aware he had. Was rightly voted the sponsors’ man of the match.

McIntyre: The enigma. Today did some stuff that few guys outside the old firm can do and also had a fresh air swipe and fell on his erse. That’s Jim McIntyre. Led the line well and with a bit of luck might have got a goal.

Lilley: As good as he has been for along time, sadly there is not a great deal of ability but he wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn’t shy away. His run and cross for second goal was excellent.

Dodds: He typifies everything you want at a club, he came on in midfield, got stuck in, gave a 100% and also showed a wise old head at times. If in the 18 month he is here his passion, application and desire rubs off on 4 or 5 younger players then he will be a justified signing.

Smart: Doesn’t cut it, but his charge down and cross for the third was excellent.

Ogunmade: Frightening pace that gave Dunfermline something to think about after he came on up front. They could not live with him. What cool finish for his goal. Showed great composure and made the last few minutes a joy for the Arabs in the stands.

Iain McCall: Tactics were spot on today. Subbies were made with thought. Called things almost as fans asked for them.

Overview: United looked a bloody good team today. On today’s performance we looked a goalscorer away from one of the beast teams in the league. We simply overpowered Dunfermline who are a good team. Once again they went to their mad 5 up front thing after the second goal and it was like the Alamo for a while with ball after ball pumped into the United box - yet we restricted them to one shot on target or so in this 30-minute spell. We looked solid at the back, exciting in midfield and battled up front. There was a confidence and a creative exploration that would never be there under Messrs Smith and Hegarty. Our midfield three swapped places all day and there was a refreshing newness about United today. It is only one game but we looked the part today. Results could not have been better either in the SPL and all of a sudden I’m a lot more optimistic about the future.

(Taken from a message board posting by Lochee Arab)