Let me start the day with a quote from one of the cities eminent local journalists, Eric Nicolson of the Courier from 19 October:
"I think it's becoming crystal clear that Lawrence Shankland's goals were covering up big problems in this Dundee United team".
It's now a month later and United are 9 points clear at the top of the table and we've just comfortably won our 5th game in a row with 5 clean sheets in a row and 11 goals scored.
And the latest three goal win came without our talisman up front.
I think we're doing okay Eric
United put in a really solid, comfortable, professional performance on Saturday and I thought we were dominant for almost all the game (bar a 10 minute spell after the third goal where we seemed to think the job was done).
Neilson gets a lot of justified criticism for some of his selections and tactics but I thought he got it spot on at the weekend. He chose to play Stanton on the right and McMullan on the left which raised eyebrows before the game. I may have used a couple of sweary words when I saw how we lined up. But it worked perfectly and it paid off with both Stanton and McMullan getting on the scoresheet.
For the first goal it was really good, patient play by Appere down the right, who didn't let himself down in playing up front in place of Shankland, with the Fifer picking out McMullan who passed the ball into the back of the net. McMullan was again involved for the second, cutting off the left touchline and sliding a lovely pass for Clark to run through on and slot home. That's three in three I believe for Clark. Stanton completed the scoring in the second half with a lovely dribble and finish, skipping away from three Queens defenders.
It was one of those games where I actually struggled to pick a man of the match. I thought everyone played well and I would say the entire 11 deserved a 7 or 8 out of 10. McMullan probably edged it for the goal and assist but I think they all played very well. It was also nice to see Mochrie get a run out in the latter stage - it's always important to get out talented youngsters on the park.
It's a free week for United this week so no football for us this weekend. All the other teams will be playing their games in hand so we'll see how the league table looks after Saturday, but it's always good to have the points in the bag and the already overwhelming goal difference continue to swell.
Mon the Terrors
DUFC 3 QOTS 0
posted on 18/11/19
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 2 minutes ago
Mon the terrors.
Will you lads be cheering on the mighty ROI tonight?
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I believe you need a win. I'll cheer for you when I remember to check the score
posted on 18/11/19
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posted on 18/11/19
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posted on 18/11/19
comment by IvanGolacIsMagic (U5291)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 2 minutes ago
Mon the terrors.
Will you lads be cheering on the mighty ROI tonight?
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I believe you need a win. I'll cheer for you when I remember to check the score
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Cheers mate I cant see us winning but we will be in the March playoffs at worse
posted on 18/11/19
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 44 seconds ago
comment by IvanGolacIsMagic (U5291)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 2 minutes ago
Mon the terrors.
Will you lads be cheering on the mighty ROI tonight?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe you need a win. I'll cheer for you when I remember to check the score
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheers mate I cant see us winning but we will be in the March playoffs at worse
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You never know mate. It's a one off game so anything can happen.
posted on 18/11/19
In other United and United related news:
The funds have been raised for the Jim McLean statue, which is very good news. It'll be housed outside the Eddie Thompson stand.
Shankland is expected to be fit for Morton a week on Saturday. He probably just fancied joining the boys in Dublin for the weekend.
McMullan was presented with a framed shirt pre-match for hitting 100 games from the imperious Davie Narey, which was magic to see. I love Davie Narey.
Peter Houston was on the park too before the game and clearly was enjoying himself. He got a good reception.
Ray McKinnon has got his jotters from Falkirk and it was no surprise.
posted on 18/11/19
"The funds have been raised for the Jim McLean statue, which is very good news. It'll be housed outside the Eddie Thompson stand."
Has everyone been putting in £1 a week to mirror the contracts he dished out?
posted on 18/11/19
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 18/11/19
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 18/11/19
Fun fact - Last season, Ayr United with Lawrence Shankland scored 25 goals after 13 games.
This season and Shanland-less they have scored 28 goals after 13 games.
The guy is obviously holding us back.