NOW WE’LL TAKE A BIT OF KEATING
Ray hails super strikers
Dundee United ......... 2 Morton....................... 1 Euan McArthur
Ray McKinnon hailed strike pair Scott McDonald and James Keatings as a deadly partnership in the making as they dumped Morton.
The hotshot duo helped move Dundee United into second place in the Championship after ending a three-game winless league run.
McDonald’s late winner saw off Jim Duffy’s brave Ton after sub Robert McHugh had cancelled out Keating’s 65th-minute opener.
And United boss McKinnon insists his summer signings have all the attributes to wreak havoc on defences in the weeks ahead.
McKinnon said: “It was nice to have Keatings and McDonald up front together for the first time.
“They were great. We could see a real partnership building there in the coming weeks.
“It was a really good performance overall and three great points.
“We could have scored a lot more to put ourselves out of sight but I’m still pleased.
“We are growing in confidence so it’s onwards and upwards.”
The Tangerines had the first real effort on goal midway through the first half when Paul McMullan fired in a 22-yard shot that Ton keeper Derek Gaston did well to parry wide.
Soon after Fraser Fyvie let fly from 30 yards and his effort narrowly flashed past Gaston’s left post.
It was all United. Just after the halfhour mark McMullan put Keatings clean through and his shot from 10 yards flew inches wide.
Next Keatings latched on to McMullan’s cross only to see his header brilliantly saved by Gaston.
But just before half-time United almost gifted Ton a shock lead. Jamie Robson’s short passback let in Gary Oliver but keeper Harry Lewis raced off his line to clear. United stormed into the lead in 65 minutes. It was a flowing move that involved Billy King and McDonald before McMullan set up Keatings whose low volley from 12 yards found the corner of the net.
Their lead was shortlived. Ross Forbes’ free-kick was missed by the United defence and Ricki Lamie headed down for McHugh to stab home from a few yards out.
However, McDonald won it for the hosts with seven minutes remaining.
King crossed for Mark Durnan whose header came back off the foot of the post and McDonald poked home the rebound.
Morton boss Duffy sighed: “The players’ commitment was amazing – but errors cost us.
“We’ve gone toe to toe with United though which augurs well for the future.”