It was honours even in the Development League derby as Dundee and Dundee United drew three all. Nick Ross, Nicky Low, James McPake and Yordi Teijsse all dropped out of the squad with Paul McGowan, Matty Allan, Connor Coupe and Mark Smith coming into the starting 11. Mark Smith had Dundee two in front before United’s trialist halved the deficit just before the break. Goals from Scott Reekie and Louis Appere had given United the lead before Ian Smith smashed home Dundee’s third from close range earning a hard-fought point.
Both sides started well as the United trialist fired just wide from the top of the box before Mark Smith headed wide from close range. Mark Smith went close again after 12 minutes as he headed Kyle Clark’s cross just wide.
After a cagey opening 20 minutes, Dundee went ahead. Connor Coupe sent Mark Smith through on goal and the big striker drilled the ball past Josh Donaldson in the United goal.
United’s number one was called into action after 27 minutes, producing a fine save to keep out Michael Duffy’s free kick. Dundee were on top at this stage and after 31 minutes, doubled their lead.
The referee pointed to the penalty spot after the linesman flagged for handball. This was a harsh decision, as none of the Dundee players had appealed for a penalty. Despite this, Mark Smith stepped up and saw his effort saved by Donaldson, but the ball broke for the Dundee man who blasted the ball in from close range.
United were beginning to improve as half time approached and pulled one back moments before the interval. The trialist played a neat one-two with Graham Taylor at the top of the box before drilling the ball past Gourlay.
The visitors nearly got an equaliser, as Logan Chalmers scooped the ball over the Dundee defence into the path of the trialist, but he couldn’t connect with ball. Mark Smith nearly completed his hat trick before the break, but was denied by Donaldson.
United started the second half brightly and 12 minutes into the second period found the equaliser. Chalmers delivery was met by Scott Reekie, who volleyed the ball home from six yards.
The trialist had a go from distance and saw his shot deflect out for a corner. Just before the hour mark, Chalmers was sent in behind the Dundee defence, but tried to beat Gourlay at his near post rather than squaring the ball to one of his teammates.
Despite this, United completed their comeback with 16 minutes remaining. Chalmers shot was saved by Gourlay into the path of Louis Appere, who rolled the ball into the empty net.
The United lead was short-lived, as Dundee got their third 60 seconds later. Coupe’s cross was met by Ian Smith whose header looped against the bar, before falling back to the forward, who drilled the ball past Donaldson.
The Dees were nearly back in front two minutes later. Coupe headed the ball into the path of Clark, who’s volley beat Donaldson but was cleared off the line by Reekie.
Both sides continued to search for a winner in the time remaining, but both defences stood firm as the points were shared.
This performance from the U20’s was far better than performances in recent weeks. Connor Coupe and Mark Smith were excellent, while the back five look more comfortable as a unit every game. On another day, the Dees would have had this game wrapped up before half time, but United must be credited for the way they came back into the game. A similar performance to today will be required against Hibs on Tuesday if the Dees are to end 2016 on a winning note.
Dundee: Gourlay, Clark, Smyth, Waddell, Allan, Quigley, McGowan, Duffy, Coupe (Anderson 79, M. Smith (Berry 64), I. Smith
Subs Unused: Ferrie, Moore
Goals: M. Smith 23’, 31’, I. Smith 74’
United: Donaldson, Ritchie, Hornby, Allardice, Reekie, Dailly, McMeekin, Taylor, Trialist (Davie 64), Chalmers (M. Smith 81), Appere (Garden 84)
Subs Unused: Long, Glass
Goals: Trialist 44’, Reekie 57’, Appere 73’
Report: Andrew Creegan
