Perfect Finnish as Courts keeps momentum going
LAMENTING the lukewarm response to his appointment in June, Thomas Courts euphemistically noted there had been ‘a little bit of energy online’. It was overwhelmingly of the negative variety.
The results gained since by his positive, vibrant Dundee United team has surely led to a rush to erase some ill-advised posts.
United, in fifth, moved level on 14 points with Motherwell thanks to their fourth 1-0 victory in seven cinch Premiership matches.
They’ve only lost in the league to leaders Hearts since their opening day of the season setback at Pittodrie which, at the time, appeared to cement the summerlong worst fears of United fans.
In match-winner Ilmari Niskanen they’ve unearthed a smiling assassin capable of creating joy for jubilant supporters now back onside and much mischief for opposition defences.
The 23-year-old Finnish winger scored his first goal for 14 months as the loss of Marc McNulty to injury was overcome at the first time of asking.
County are still seeking a Premiership win after eight attempts. This week’s hard-luck story was a spurning a succession of fine second-half chances to level.
‘We were made to work extremely hard for the three points in the second half when County threw everything at us,’ said United assistant boss Liam Fox.
‘Winning 1-0 is a good habit to get into, although not good on the nerves — I’ll have a few grey hairs soon!
‘It’s great to go into the international break on the back of a victory. But we’re also aware there’s a lot of work to be done and improvements to be made.’
Niskanen, buoyed from an assist at Celtic Park and recall to his national squad, was in the mood from an early stage. Ian Harkes, the benefactor of Niskanen’s delivery last Sunday, wasn’t feeling too bad about life either as the Premiership’s Player of the Month for September.
Harkes set up his colleague as United caught County on the break. Ash Maynard-Brewer pulled off an impressive save at full stretch to push away the winger’s drive.
For Harkes and Niskanen, that was just a rehearsal. Jack Baldwin stepped in to play his dubious part to help United’s double act.
Instead of nursing a header back to his goalkeeper from a long punt, the County skipper nodded straight to Harkes in the middle of the park.
The American’s quick pass found Niskanen making another darting run in behind.
Niskanen ambitiously aimed near post this time and it paid off spectacularly. Maynard-Brewer fumbled as he went to grab, losing grip and a goal.
It was a league-high 16th goal conceded by County. The dangers to that figure increasing piled on from all angles, with Niskanen and Nicky Clark busy in the box.
And Maynard-Brewer was back to his best when his fingertips turned a Jeando Fuchs long-range hit round his right-hand post.
United’s best chance to double the lead arrived early in the second half via a terrific Scott McMann inswinger for Clark. The visitors spent the bulk of the remaining time trying to punish the United striker for failing to fashion enough power on that free header.
The attacking focal point missing from County’s play was delivered when Jordan White replaced Regan Charles-Cook at the break to accompany Alex Samuel up front.
Joe Hungbo, unsurprisingly handed a first start following his scintillating second-half display at Fir Park, hit his stride after the interval.
He grazed the outside of the far post with a swerving shot after being played in by Blair Spittal.
White’s physical presence set up the Watford winger again and his 20-yard drive went close.
A free Harry Clarke header was the wasteful one County will really want back. When that sailed harmlessly over, it was destined to be another one of those days for Malky Mackay.
Dominic Samuel’s first touch as a 79th-minute substitute was a stunning shot on the turn straight into the top corner past Benji Siegrist. The offside call piled on the misery for a team not gaining the rewards for their overall play.
‘In the second half, we changed it a little, were excellent and created an incredible amount of chances,’ insisted Mackay.
‘Three point-blank headers, a goal disallowed, we hit the post and their keeper has made saves.
‘I think we could’ve come away with not just a point but all three, especially after that second-half performance.
‘If we weren’t creating chances, I’d be worried. If we were battered it would be a different story.
‘To have 55 per cent possession in the second half here, to create the number of chances we did, I am disappointed in that respect.
‘But we are coming to grounds, being on the front foot and are a match for anyone. We just need a bit of luck in front of goal.’