We’ll catch Hibs, says McKinnon
DUNFERMLINE 1
Herron (28) DUNDEE UNITED 1
Andreu (18)
RAY McKINNON insists Dundee United can still overtake Hibs in the Championship title race – despite falling eight points off the pace.
The Tangerines turned in a muchimproved performance after last week’s Scottish Cup disaster in Dingwall but were held by a dogged Dunfermline.
Tony Andreu gave United a deserved early lead with a stunning 20-yarder before John Herron hit back for the Pars.
McKinnon’s side were relentless in pursuit of a winner but were denied repeatedly by the inspired goalkeeping of Pars stopper Sean Murdoch.
However, the United boss insisted he was satisfied with his team’s performance, and backed them to reel in runaway league leaders Hibs.
“On the balance of play we deserved to win that,” said McKinnon. “We had enough chances. But we’ve just got to take it on the chin and move on.
“I’m very, very pleased with the performance of the lads today.
“There has been a wee bit of pressure on them but they responded in the right manner. I’m pleased with that aspect of it, but disappointed in the result.”
He added: “Hibs are obviously catchable. It’ll be tough. We’re not kidding ourselves but we certainly won’t be giving up the ghost.
“We’ll be trying to win every game between now and the end of the season.”
One downside for United was a nasty injury for keeper Cammy Bell.
He was taken to hospital after a sickening clash with team-mate Mark Durnan.
Bell was knocked to the ground as both he and Durnan attempted to defend the Kallum Higginbotham cross that led to the Pars’ equaliser.
The United goalie received extensive treatment on the pitch before completing the remaining 17 minutes of the first half.
But McKinnon revealed “He’s taken a really bad one on his head. He had blurred vision and couldn’t really see at half-time. We took no chances and hopefully he’s okay.”
McKinnon wielded the axe before kick-off, dropping five of his flops from last week’s Scottish Cup exit.
But the United boss’ best laid plans were almost undone after just eight minutes when Mark Durnan dithered on the ball and was robbed by Nicky Clark. The ex-Rangers striker closed in on goal before squaring for unmarked strike partner Michael Moffat eight yards out.
With the Pars fans poised to celebrate, wily United centre-half William Edjenguele spoiled their party, sliding in behind his goalkeeper, Cammy Bell, to block Moffat’s effort.
It was a wake-up call for United – and they responded.
Andreu gave the Tangerines the lead on 18 minutes, unleashing a fierce 20-yarder low past Murdoch after a patient passage of play.
And in the aftermath, United turned the screw.
Blair Spittal quickly cracked the upright after a surging 30-yard run.
The visitors looked far more likely to score than Allan Johnston’s tepid hosts.
But when United failed to close down Kallum Higginbotham on the right flank, the wide man had all the time in the world to pick out Herron in the six-yard box, and his header was unstoppable.
It was hard luck for United, but for Allan Johnston, whose side extended their unbeaten run to 11 games, the outcome was just.
“It’s probably a fair result,” he said. “We had chances and they had chances. It could have gone either way. It was one of those games.”