Keatings still convinced team will click

James Keatings is adamant Dundee United will “click” despite a dismal display against Dumbarton on Saturday, writes Ian Roache.

The Tangerines toiled all afternoon against a Sons team that have been a real thorn in their side since the Tannadice men were relegated to the Championship, also winning twice and drawing once against them last season.

United certainly tested the patience of their supporters, some of whom booed the players off the pitch at both half-time and at the final whistle.

The jeers weren’t unexpected as substitute Keatings supplied the only highlight for the home side when he fired home a terrific free-kick with just three minutes remaining to rescue a point from a match that appeared to be slipping away.

UNITED WILL ‘CLICK’: Continued from page 60

However, the goalscorer is confident that United will do much better in the weeks and months ahead.

Keatings said: “We wanted to win but obviously it wasn’t to be. I’m glad that I came on and managed to get the goal that got us a point.

“However, I would rather the team got the three points than I had scored. The most important thing is getting a win but we only managed to get one point.

“I still think there is positivity at the club coming through from the summer. Obviously, we are not quite cutting it at the moment and it’s been a tough few weeks for us.

“We have had injuries and the team has been changed – stuff like that. So it’s about finding the right balance and I’m sure that in the weeks to come we will find that. We know we will click. We have a lot of good players in all areas of the pitch and it would be a crime if the team didn’t gel.

“So we fully believe in ourselves and the players around about us.”

Asked if the draw felt like a defeat, the former Hibs player replied: “Yes, it definitely did.

“We were at home in front of our own fans and we should be winning all our games at home.

“We should be making this place a fortress and every team scared to come here and play us.

“That is what we are aiming to do. Instead, we only got a draw and a disappointing display.”

It was put to Keatings that United are in serious need of a big performance – they travel to face Falkirk on Saturday – to reassure their fans that this season isn’t going to be a real slog.

He said: “We are favourites to win this league and have that burden on us. The fans are coming here and they are obviously expecting a lot more from us.

“We walked off that pitch after not giving the kind of performance we should have given the fans. I understand their frustration.”

Ray McKinnon watched his side struggle against the Sons.