Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Goodwin hails dazzling display by Watt as an example to his team
JIM Goodwin hailed Tony Watt for “leading by example” in Dundee United’s 4-0 hammering of Arbroath.
The Tannadice vicecaptain bagged a brace against the Lichties, taking his tally for the campaign to 12 goals.
While happy to see Watt ripple the net, Goodwin was even more heartened by his all-round showing.
The experienced forward provided a fine focal point in attack.
“Tony is a big player for us and when he plays like that, he is a real handful for opposition defenders,” said Goodwin. “I’m delighted he got the couple of goals, but his all-round performance was excellent.
“He was a lot tidier in possession. When the ball went forward, it tended to stick and his energy – right up until the 90th minute – was excellent. He led by example.”
Louis Moult, who struck the bar with a ferocious free-kick in the first half, was replaced by Alex Greive at the break, with Goodwin confirming: “Louis just had a little bit of a tight hamstring as the half went on.
“There was no need for us to take the risk.”
And Greive grasped his opportunity. The pacy New Zealand international selflessly put one goal on a plate, teeing up Watt, before slamming home his maiden effort for United.
“I thought Greive was one of our best players in the second 45 minutes,” said Goodwin. “A real threat, he plays on the shoulder and the timing of his runs are excellent.
“I love the way he was so unselfish to square that ball to Tony Watt. I’m not sure Moulty would have done that!”
That performance has given Goodwin a welcome headache ahead of Friday’s trip to Dunfermline. He said: “He’s done enough to put his name in the hat for next week with that second-half performance.”