The man in the bunnet done it
Arbroath manager Dick Campbell was a happy man after his side knocked Dundee United out of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup at Tannadice. Bobby Linn (inset) scored the vital penalty.
dundee united 0 arbroath 0
Arbroath win 4-3 on penalties
They are flying in the Championship. But Dundee United’s cup curse struck again as Arbroath dumped the Tangerines on penalties.
Having previously lost to East Fife in the Betfred Cup at Tannadice – a result that saw them crash out in the group stages – United fell again in knockout competition against the Lichties, who were well worth their place in the next round of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup.
Having taken United to a shootout, Dick Campbell’s side held their nerve to win 4-3, with former Dundee star Bobby Linn notching the winning kick.
But United gaffer Robbie Neilson’s disappointment with the outcome was tempered by the fact his side can focus on their Championship campaign without distraction for the next few months.
““We just couldn’t get the ball into the net. Their keeper had a great game. All credit to Arbroath. They deserved to go through. Now we have to make sure our focus is on Ayr United next weekend,” he said.
After the electricity of the Dundee derby – the last game to take place at Tannadice – this Cup clash was always going to struggle as a spectacle.
Indeed, the first half was almost totally devoid of excitement.
Arbroath saw an early penalty claim waved away by whistler Mike Roncone after Jamie Robson smashed Michael McKenna in the box.
After that it was slim pickings for the 2,568-strong crowd.
Ian Harkes sent a free header over the bar from six yards, then forced Derek Gaston into a save with a shot from the edge of the box, while, at the other end, Mark Whatley dragged a left-footed shot wide of Deniz Mehmet’s left-hand post.
It was grim fare – and the way United started the second half suggested they had been given a halftime rocket by Robbie Nielson.
There was a handball penalty appeal for the Tangerines when an Arbroath arm appeared to strike the ball amidst a penalty box stramash.
Then Louis Appere was denied a pair of goals by Gaston.
Nicky Clark came close just after the hour with a terrific 25-yard free-kick. But then, with the deadly Lawrence Shankland and the tricky Paul McMullan thrown on, the pattern of play shifted for the worse.
With Arbroath sensing the opportunity to take the game to penalties, things became stuffy again.
The Lichties held their shape well as United attempted to stretch them. But then it was on to penalties. Shankland scored to get United off and running, but after Michael McKenna’s strike, Gaston’s save from Liam Smith and Whatley’s successful kick, Arbroath were firmly in charge.
Sam Stanton hit the post, before Deniz saved Ben Stirling to give the home side hope. It was short-lived, however, after Nicky Clark levelled at 3-3, Linn slammed home to send the Lichties through.
“It was a good result. I don’t think anyone could deny us it,” he said.
“All the plaudits go to Arbroath,” said Lichties manager Dick Campbell.
“Our goalkeeper was outstanding. He had several great saves during the match and then one in the penalties.
“People like to laugh at this competition, but not us.
“We don’t laugh at any competition we’re involved in.
“I’m very happy we’ve not conceded again.
!We had a big support and we’ve sent them away happy.”