Moment of Mulgrew magic sinks Arbroath

DUNDEE UNITED made it three wins out of three in the Premier Sports Cup with this narrow victory over Arbroath at Tannadice.

The Tangerines are now all-but through to the knockout stage of the competition thanks to a moment of magic from Charlie Mulgrew — 15 years after his last goal for the club during his first spell at Tannadice.

United were quickly into their stride, with Logan Chalmers having the first chance of the game in the sixth minute, cutting in from the right before hitting a 20-yard rising shot that Arbroath keeper Derek Gaston did well to acrobatically tip over his bar.

However, the keeper was helpless to prevent United taking the lead in the 21st minute.

Mulgrew stepped up to take a free-kick wide on the right and with everyone expecting a ball deep into the box, the former Scotland star cheekily whipped in an effort from all of 35 yards that caught Gaston out.

Bobby Linn had a chance for the Red Lichties but his shot was gathered by Benjamin Siegrist.

United almost increased their lead at the start of the second half but Gaston made a timely block to deny Jamie Robson.

The game continued to be well balanced but it was United who had three points in the bag at the final whistle.

United head coach Tam Courts said: ‘We were terrific and the goal came at a good time. I’m really pleased.’