COD FORBID
Ross sees the positives despite defeat to Broonie’s Army
Jack Ross insisted his Dundee United side had taken a big step forward with a fine display in defeat to Scott Brown’s Cod Army.
The Tannadice boss was delighted with the display despite leaking a late goal to former Hibernian midfielder Josh Vela.
Ross saw Steven Fletcher and Dylan Levitt show their class and well-being on return from pre-season injury setbacks.
And although he’s short of the ideal squad numbers for a long season ahead, Ross stressed the players he has proved they’re ready for Rugby Park and the Premiership kick-off on Saturday.
He said: “I’m not happy at losing but, performance- wise, this is a big step forward again. For large parts we were really good. We controlled it, created opportunities.
“The results aren’t as significant in pre-season as much as the performances are – and we’ve had gradual improvement in our performances.”
Ex-Scotland striker Fletcher was among the stand-outs for 59 minutes and despite suffering a badly cut finger showed there will be much more to come when fully fit.
Ross said: “We were running out of games a bit to get them minutes so it was nice to get Steven and Dylan on the pitch.
“Fletch is fit, in general, he looks after himself. That’s why he’s had longevity of career and played a lot of English Championship games last year.
“We showed a creative edge for large spells. Fletch will help that because he’s a focal point.”
Celtic tops were spotted among home fans hoping big-name arrival Brown in the dugout can spark a League One promotion charge. Yet Hoops legend
Broonie still couldn’t escape his status as one of Scottish football’s all-time great panto villains.
He smirked at the stick dealt out by a travelling support in full voice. The new boss was permanently on his feet, consulting frequently with assistants Steven Whittaker and Barry Nicholson as United asserted themselves.
The SPFL side were unfortunate to be behind at half-time while Fletcher was excellent leading the line and linking play.
The striker was unlucky in front of goal, snatching at one chance with his left foot which trickled wide.
Then a brilliant take and turn from Liam
Smith’s cross created space for a shot that finished up half a yard the wrong side of the far post.
After Craig Sibbald was brought down to set up a free-kick, Fletcher claimed the responsibility but his effort dipped just inches over. Keeping the 35-year- old fit and with service is sure to reap rewards for United.
New keeper Mark Birighitti was unlucky to concede on 42 minutes. The Aussie got down well to prevent an own goal but Fleetwood kept the heat on.
Dan Batty’s shot from the edge of the box took at least one deflection before squirming in off the far post past the unsighted keeper.
Fletcher was fuming to be denied a penalty as he was barged down 10 yards out when just about to shoot.
Feelings of injustice would have been greater had Birighitti not pulled off a superb double save from Ellis Harrison on the resultant break.
Nicky Clark, Ilmari Niskanen and Kieran Freeman were introduced and United got their reward.
From a corner, Ian Harkes nodded into the path of Charlie Mulgrew who guided a right-foot shot home.
United continued to dominate but sloppy late play allowed the home side to pinch a winner.
No one adequately challenged the run of sub Cian Hayes through the middle and he was able to slip the ball left to skipper Vela. He fired a first time shot home to boost Brown before his managerial league bow at Port Vale next weekend.
DUNDEE UTD: Bir ighit t i , Smith, Edwards, Mulgrew (Graham 70), McMann, Levitt (Meekison 76), Sibbald (Freeman 59), Cudjoe ( Chalmers 81) , Harkes, Wat t (Niskanen 59), Fletcher (Clark 59).