Classy Andreu’s magic touch sees off Stranraer
DUNDEE UNITED’S on-loan striker Tony Andreu was the difference between the sides in a lively and competitive Irn-Bru Cup-tie at Stair Park.
A well-placed header from the unmarked Frenchman midway through the second half, after a fine cross from Paul Dixon, saw United squeeze through into the quarter-finals.
Norwich star Andreu was thrilled to make the decisive contribution, saying: ‘It was a great cross — pinpoint — and I didn’t even have to move.
‘I was delighted with the header. I knew where I wanted it to go.
‘I’m really enjoying my football here — the lads are great and I am very happy and confident here.
‘I think Dundee United is perfect for me.’
An upbeat first-half had promised plenty, with both sides playing tidy football and only some very good goalkeeping ensuring the opening period was goalless.
Quarter of an hour in, Cameron Belford in the home goal set the tone, making a fine stop as he stood up well to the advancing Simon Murray.
Ten minutes later, at the other end, an even better save saw Luis Zwick dive across goal to deny a delightful looping shot from Willie Gibson.
Belford was in fine form and once again denied Murray before the break from close range. As chances began to dry up slightly in the second half, it became clear Andreu’s single goal was likely to be the decider.
Dixon’s delivery was judged to perfection and Andreu nodded home.
Stranraer threw everything at the tie in the final stages and were denied at least a spell of extra-time when substitute Christian Nade sent a lastditch volley inches over.
However, the Championship side survived to claim their place in the quarter-final draw thanks, in part, to a well-drilled defence.
Relieved United boss Ray McKinnon said: ‘Stranraer played well and made it tough for us.
‘Fair play to them, Brian (Reid) has put together a good team, they made us work for the victory.
‘Had we shown a bit more clinical quality up front — a better quality of final pass — we might have had a better scoreline.
‘Against a side at home who have nothing to lose it’s always tough but someone like Tony Andreu, such a quality player, is worth his weight in gold to us.’
Stranraer boss Reid said: ‘We put in a great effort and commitment.
‘We made it difficult and, to be honest, one wee bit of quality — a great header — was the difference.
‘We restricted them quite well and we were unfortunate not to put the chances we had away.
‘I’m disappointed but, with that commitment, these performances will turn into wins.’