DUFC 6 DFC 2

Symmetry.

In 2015 Dundee United beat Dundee 6-2. United took the lead, but Dundee levelled after a free kick conceded by Callum Butcher. United then romped into a 4-1 half time lead. United scored the sixth goal on the 83rd minute. The only United player booked was Butcher.

In 2019 Dundee United beat Dundee 6-2. United took the lead, but Dundee levelled after a free kick conceded by Callum Butcher. United then romped into a 4-1 half time lead. United scored the sixth goal on the 83rd minute. The only United player booked was Butcher.

So what was all the same between the two games? No. On Friday night United didn't even need to get out of second gear to hammer them.

Let's be honest, United didn't play particularly well on Friday night. Dundee were probably the better team for the first 25 minutes. They were probably better with the ball in the second half. Yet we've absolutely hammered them.

Friday was magnificent in every way to be honest. A full house, an absolutely tremendous atmosphere and it was another reminder of how much I've missed the big game atmosphere's during our stay in the Championship. Even leaving the result aside, I absolutely loved that and it showcased everything good about the Dundee derby.

As for the game, our friends across the road felt aggrieved because they opened the scoring only for Clancy to rule it out. It was onside, although at speed you can see why it was given offside - Smith stepped up as the striker stepped forward. A very tight call but the wrong one. And all very embarrassing for the half dozen or so Dees who ended up on the park to celebrate.

United took advantage, a corner to the back post headed back across by Connolly and a looping header by the much maligned (by me) Callum Butcher evaded the keeper and the defender on the line and nestled in the net. Pandemonium in the stands. Limbs everywhere.

Dundee equalised, and this time it was offside but the flag stayed down. Kane Hemmings firing home. Carnage in the Jerry Kerr and Jim McLean stands.

The game changed shortly afterwards on a substitution. The struggling Connolly went off, Harkes came into the midfield and Butcher dropped back. Suddenly United were playing the same team that played so well at Dunfermline the previous week and United took the game by the scruff of the net.

We were in front soon after. Apere, on loan in the Juniors last season, taking this season by storm, took the ball on his chest, waited - waited - and then smashed the ball through the fingers of Hamilton and into the roof of the net. United were ahead again. The stadium erupted.

It kept erupting as McDaid - the scourge of United last season when he was at Ayr - decided he preferred rugby to football and slammed into McMullan in the box. Penalty. Shankland, quiet in the game overall, but he made no mistake from the spot.

Seven minutes after that Apere second goal Tannadice continued to erupt. Another set piece. Another Butcher header, escaping the Dundee captain to head in off the post.

Finally half time, a chance to breathe. Where did Dundee go from here? Surely they had to come out and give more in the second half? We had our answer to those questions within a minute of the restart, Harkes thumping hit from 25 yards out spinning into the top corner via a deflection.

Dundee did take control of the game at this point, passing the ball, attacking, trying to get down the sides of United. Siegrist barely had a save. The ball did go in the net and Dundee did have a goal back but United snuffed out any thoughts of a comeback as Cammy Smith scored number six. It was only after the celebrations died down did I reflect on the fact that the final goal cost me £100 - I had a pound on 5-2 as the FT scoreline.

And then it was over. United fans acclaimed their heroes on the lap of honour and we all piled into the pubs to go over it with our mates on both sides of the divide.

What a night. Still buzzing from it. More importantly though, it's another statement of intent for the season. Four wins from four. We've played Dundee and Inverness at home and scored 10. We mean business this season.

Mon the Terrors