Dundee United 2 Livingston 0

Last updated : 13 December 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Dundee United finally overcame some stubborn Livingston resistance to record a second consecutive home victory, something which they had not achieved for over a year.

The hosts were sluggish in all aspects of their play as they resorted to long balls. Such was their lack of creativity that it took almost 20 minutes before they carved out their first chance.

Fernando Pasquinelli won all the high balls against the United defence and the Argentinian set up Stuart Lovell on two occasions but he was denied by the in-form Paul Gallacher.

The home fans did find something to cheer about in the 22nd minute but unfortunately the goal was ruled out. Chris Innes connected well with Alan Archibald's free kick but Jim McIntyre was ruled offside.

Dundee United finally began to find some rhythm in midfield and the game adopted a more pendulum effect.

Despite this there was little to excite the fans. Innes created panic in the Tangerines defence with a short pass back. Gallacher again was quick to react and spare the blushes saving with his feet against the on-rushing Derek Lilley.

If there was a weakness in Livingston's play, it was their defending of the dead ball. This proved to be their downfall five minutes from the break when Billly Dodds headed his third goal of the season.

Buoyed after scoring at Ibrox last week, the ex-Rangers star ghosted in front of the purple-shirted defenders to head the ball into the far corner of the net from 14 yards.

And it was almost two on the stroke of half-time when Roddy McKenzie and co were all at sea from Barry Robson's free-kick. Fortunately, for the visitors, the ball was blocked in a goalmouth melee.

In the midst of a midfield quagmire, the crowd waited until the 80th minute before the game was sealed by the Terrors.

Charlie Miller found space and squared the ball to Robson. His 22-yard strike came off the inside of the post into the path of Dodds giving the little striker the easiest of tasks stroking the ball home from six yards.