Boss compares winner to Pele header

Ray McKinnon compared Tony Andreu’s clincher to a famous Pele header after the on-loan hitman made it six goals in as many games.

There was little to split the teams before the Frenchman nodded in Paul Dixon’s cross in 68 minutes. That proved enough for the Tannadice side and boss McKinnon was quick to praise the scorer. He said: “Stranraer have done great and made us work for it. It’s a very tough place to come but when we have got somebody like Tony Andreu, who i s such a quality player... “He just popped up with that one bit of quality and it was a fantastic header. “He is worth his weight in gold to us right now and we are delighted to have him but that is what you get from a quality player like Tony. “We’ve got him for the full season and that is six goals for him. “It was a bit like Pele and that header against Gordon Banks but this time it went i n . Fo r such a small lad, it was an incredible header.” United’s top scorer Simon Murray carved out the first real chance. He capitalised on some hesitation in the home defence but keeper Cameron Belford was out quickly to block his snap shot. It marked the start of a period of sustained pressure for McKinnon’s men, who came within a whisker of opening the scoring moments later.

This time there was nothing Belford could do but Andreu’s 25- yard free- kick cannoned back off the upright.

Murray then f licked a header wide before the momentum started to swing. St ranraer’s Willie Gibson had looked dangerous on the left without being able to conjure up the final ball.

He went it alone in 26 minutes when he beat two defenders but his curling shot was palmed to safety by Luis Zwick.

The second half was a more drab affair with little in the way of goalmouth act ion. But Un i ted increasingly got more room down the left and it was no surprise the winner came from there.

Dixon’s cross was inch perfect for Andreu, who rose unmarked to nod beyond a helpless Belford.

Stranraer pushed to get something from the game but could not find a way through, with sub Christian Nade blazing over.

Home boss Brian Reid said: “That wee bit of quality was the difference in the end.

“I’m not displeased with the effort. If we keep working as hard as that and keep putting the effort and commitment in, these performances will turn into wins.” Stranraer

Cameron Ritchie

Dundee Utd