Dundee United 0 Partick Thistle 0

Last updated : 24 December 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Despite a second-half surge, Dundee United failed to record their third successive home victory, a feat they last achieved in December 1999.

Against a Thistle side, which was jeered throughout for time wasting, the Tangerines lacked the incision to cut through a solid defence.

After a sloppy start by both sides in the opening 20 minutes, in which neither keeper were involved outwith abating the monotony of misplaced passes and pass backs, the crowd sought something to raise their spirits It eventually came in the 21st minute. After Jim McIntyre had been crudely tackled at the edge of the box, Alan Archibald hit a tremendous free-kick which Kenny Arthur did well to move across goal and punch clear. The free ball was won by the dogged McIntyre, but his effort was bundled clear by the keeper The opening half-hour had all the qualities of Scottish football which would drive the fans away – passion but poor passing, poor movement and a distinct lack of creativity. It was a midfield quagmire which neither team seemed capable of overcoming.

Thistle's first chance came in the 30th minute when they almost scored a freak goal.

Jamie Mitchell's in-swinging corner deceived the United defenders guarding the near post leaving Paul Gallacher to scramble across and palm the ball off the goal line allowing Derek McInnes to boot clear.

It took until four minutes from the break before Gallacher was tested again with a Derek Fleming free-kick easily turned over the bar.

After a first half of mediocrity, United manager Ian McCall withdrew the ineffective Charlie Miller and Andy McLaren replacing them with a more attacking format of Jamie Paterson and Colin Samuel.

United began with more potency and in the 50th minute McInnes came close with a ferocious drive before Samuel forced a great save from Kenny Arthur.

The pressure continued with David McCracken's powerful header again well stopped in the 65th minute by Arthur.

Thistle's were gifted a superb chance following a catastrophic error from Danny Griffin, however a world class save from Gallacher prevented the opener.

The Terrors continued to throw men forward but frustration continued to prevail in the final third.