Derby battles — who came out on top?

YESTERDAY’S Betfred Cup derby saw Dundee United take the bragging rights following a shootout win.

They’ll only last a week or so, though, before the teams go at it again for a repeat in round two next Wednesday.

There might be a few changes for both sides by that time after both Dundee and United get their league campaigns under way at the weekend.

At the moment, though, it’s effectively half-time between the city clubs after the two had a good look at each other at Dens Park yesterday.

Tonight the Tele picks out a few of the key battles in yesterday’s City of Discovery derby, who won them and who needs to up their game for round two next week.

Sofien Moussa v Mark Durnan/ William Edjenguele

Dundee’s new striker has become something of a favourite at Dens Park after his hat-trick at Cowdenbeath last Wednesday brought his tally at the club to five in just three appearances.

Yesterday, though, was a real step up in terms of the opposition.

And it’s fair to say he didn’t have the sort of impact the fans were hoping.

The two United centre-backs marshalled the big Tunisian well and he was largely anonymous.

He did nod in a Scott Allan cross/shot early in the second half but was a mile offside.

With another week and a bit more training under his belt, he’ll be sharper come the next round and will be hoping to add to his tally.

For the Tangerines, the DurnanEdjenguele partnership was a solid one for large parts of last season and, once again, they look like they’ll be tough to get through in the Championship.

Verdict: United win. Scott Allan v Lewis Toshney

Strangely, both these players made their first-team bows for the opposition back at the start of their careers.

Toshney moved on to Celtic, while Allan went south before ending up at Parkhead.

Their careers might have similar routes but as players they’re chalk and cheese. A playmaker against a fullycommitted defender ultimately saw the playmaker come out on top.