Head man Clark nets late winner for United
Watched by their new owner, Dundee United moved to within striking distance of the top of the Championship with a hard-fought win over Dunfermline.
Nicky Clark’s late header secured the points for United on a day where promotion rivals Ross County and Ayr United both lost.
The Tangerines are now just three points off the summit of the table.
And after leading his side to victory, manager Robbie Neilson, last night sat down with United’s American owner Mark Ogren, who jetted in for the game, to plot an assault on the Championship title.
“It’s good to get a win in front of the new owner,” said Neilson.
“The three points were very important for us, and with the new owner coming over, he can see what we need now.
“We’re going to have a conversation about targets and what we’re trying to do this window.
“It’s good that he saw us win, but also that he saw there’s still a lot of work to do.
“We ground it out today and you have to do that sometimes to win leagues.
“But I’d prefer to put on a bit of a show, enjoy it and score some more goals.”
It ended in celebration, but there was little to cheer United’s new owner – or their fans – early on.
Dunfermline, with just three wins in 12 to their name, and a new manager in Stevie Crawford, threatened first when Aidan Keena – on loan from Hearts – tested United keeper Benjamin Siegrist with a sharp half-volley.
But the Tangerines soon worked a foothold – and the Pars’ Lee Robinson was soon the keeper under pressure.
Stewart Murdoch nodded Pavol Safranko’s header across the face of goal into Robinson’s arms on 12 minutes as United went in search of the opener.
Then new signing Cammy Smith saw a deflected effort saved by Dunfermline’s goalie before Paul Mcmullan fired wide on the half-hour.
None of United’s chances could have been categorised as “golden” – but the
Pars carved one out before the break. It came when Myles Hippolyte found James Vincent unmarked, 10 yards from goal, with a cross from the right.
With the goal gaping, the Dunfermline support rose, expecting the net to bulge.
Instead, Vincent’s snap shot flew wide, letting United off the hook.
One win in six games isn’t promotion form – there’s no denying it. So for United, desperate to return to the Premiership after three terms in the Championship, recent results have not been good enough.
Their second-half showing against Partick Thistle last week was a positive, however.
And the man who sparked it – Aidan Nesbitt – was again thrown on at half-time by Robbie Neilson.
With Ross County and Ayr losing, United were desperate for a goal.
But Dunfermline almost nicked one when Kallum Higginbotham latched on to Murdoch’s slack backpass only to lose his footing and allow Siegrist to clear. It was tense stuff.
But just as the home fans were preparing themselves for another frustrating afternoon, up popped Nicky Clark to save the day.
The former Dunfermline hit man was thrown on by United with 20 minutes to go.
And when he was picked out by fellow sub Nesbitt six yards from goal, he pulled off a trademark headed finish.
Tannadice went wild.
But for new Pars boss Stevie Crawford, it was a result to forget.
“It’s a sore one to take, we had a game plan and we were aggressive, pressing their midfield,” he said.
“I was pleased United had to make the changes first.
“I told the players the best thing I can say about today is I took three guys off who gave me their lot.
“We lost the game, yes, but if they continue to do that then we’ll start climbing the table.”