McDaid double dumps Tangerines

DUNDEE UNITED U20 1 PARTICK THISTLE U20 2

In an entertaining contest, a Declan McDaid double consigned United to defeat in their opening fixture at Gayfield last night.

Thistle made the early running, but it was United who threatened first, Justin Johnson blazing wide.

Only a combination of a Partick defender and goalkeeper Conor Cullen kept out both efforts from Graham Taylor after he met Ali Coote’s cut-back.

Brad Smith’s goal-line clearance prevented a trialist striker putting Thistle ahead and three minutes from the end of the first period the Tangerines took the lead.

Graham Taylor played the ball to Brad Smith who swept a shot home from just outside the box.

United keeper Luis Zwick produced two fine saves either side of the break but on 62 minutes he was beaten when McDaid drilled a shot into the net from 20 yards.

With 14 minutes left, McDaid’s shot slipped through the United keeper’s hands for the winner.

United: Zwick, Ballantyne, Ritchie, Telfer, Reekie, Allardice, Johnson (Garden 55), B Smith, M Smith (Murrell 77), Coote (Appere 46), Taylor. Subs not used: Long, Davie, Hornby, McMeekin.