Arbroath give Neilson’s men a reality check
DUNDEE UNITED boss Robbie Neilson admitted his side’s shock penalty shoot-out exit at the hands of Arbroath served as a timely reality check.
Neilson watched his much-changed team crash out as ex-Dundee star Bobby Linn struck the winning kick.
United savoured glory just over a week earlier when they thrashed city rivals Dundee 6-2 to keep them flying high at the top of the Championship table.
But they were brought back down to earth against Dick Campbell’s second-tier new boys, who progressed to the next round thanks to Michael McKenna, Mark Whatley, Greig Spence and Linn all getting the better of home goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet in the shoot-out.
For United, Liam Smith and Sam Stanton both missed from the spot, while Lawrence Shankland, Paul McMullan and Nicky Clark netted.
Neilson said: ‘Sometimes it’s good to get a wee reminder of where we are. There’s still a long way to go. We’re still vulnerable and we still need to work hard to get results.
‘We have to make sure our focus is full going down to Ayr United next weekend.
‘You get days when you’re on top like that and had a lot of chances but we just couldn’t get the ball into the net.’
It was the part-time visitors who threatened first, in 12 minutes, when United full-back Jamie Robson appeared to bring down McKenna inside the box, but referee Mike Roncone refused to award a penalty.
At the start of the second half, Peter Pawlett raced clean through but his effort from close range was blocked by Arbroath goalkeeper Derek Gaston.
Ian Harkes sent Louis Appere clear, only for Gaston to come to the rescue again.
Gaston pulled off a stunning 63rd-minute save from Clark’s free-kick.
Jubilant Arbroath boss Campbell said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted. All credit to the lads for coming to a place like Tannadice and beating a quality side like Dundee United.’