Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Fortress Tannadice gives Utd the edge
RAY McKinnon has told his players if they can maintain their “incredible” home record for just one more game, promotion could be within touching distance.
United have l ost j ust once in 26 Tannadice outings this term and, if it’s one in 27 after tonight’s first leg of the promotion play-off against Hamilton, Ray will be delighted.
He’s going into the final home game of the campaign looking for a victory to take through to New Douglas Park on Sunday.
But he believes even a draw would leave his Tangerines in a very good position.
“If we can keep that home record going for one more game, we can give ourselves a great chance to go up,” said Ray.
“We want to win, that’s the way we approach every game home or away. But so long as we are still in the tie after tonight, we will be in there with a great chance to get promotion on Sunday.”
That was certainly the case last week when Falkirk drew at Tannadice in the opening game of the semifinal but were then blown away by a big second-half display by United at the Falkirk Stadium.
“I do believe the pressure shifts to the home team in the second leg because, if it’s close after the first game, there is an expectation on them — but we’ve shown what can happen.
“So we have to make sure we are bang in this tie after tonight and we’ll have a great opportunity.”
He does, though, recognise this is likely to be the toughest task to date and, while Accies have had a difficult season, they are a team he rates.
“They have good experienced Premiership players and they showed against Dundee at t he weekend they can score goals.
“We will give them the respect they deserve.”