The SPFL Development League got back underway last night with an action packed Dundee derby at Links Park.
Dundee couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new campaign when Josh Skelly reacted quickest to a blocked shot in the area and nipped in just before United keeper Marc McCallum who brought the Dundee striker down.
Skelly dusted himself down and dispatched the penalty to put the young Dee side infront after just six minutes. Dundee built on the goal and dominated the first half with some neat passing.
12 minutes after the opener it looked like Skelly had doubled his tally when he ran onto a ball over the top and lifted over the United keeper but the ball just cleared the bar and ended up on the roof of the net.
United’s first effort came after 20 minutes when Matty Smith cut in from the left and drove a shot from 25 yards over the top. Dundee were soon on the attack again and ended to half with Gemmell seeing a drive go inches wide before Skelly delivered a ball right across the face after great work inside the box but no one could turn it in.
Things went from bad to worse for United after the break when Justin Johnson was given his marching order after picking up a second yellow for simulation after just five minutes of the second period.
The sending off seemed to help United who became a solid unit and with their first attack of the half, the ten men drew level. Aaron Duke following up well to turn home after Kyle Gourlay had pulled off a save from Matty Smith.
It was all Dundee from then on as the Tannadice youngsters set up to hold on to what they had and a solid end to the match saw them keep Dundee out in the opening league fixture.
