Dundee United secured their spot in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Mirren at Tannadice Park.
The decisive moment came in the 34th minute when Ross Graham’s powerful header found the back of the net, sealing United’s place in the next round.
It wasn’t the hosts first tast of League cup football this season after securing one of the best placed runners up spots in the group stage. Despite an opening game defeat, Jim Goodwin’s side bounced back with 3 straight victories over Stenhousemuir, Bucky Thistle and Ayr United.
For the visitors it was their first taste of the league cup this season after finishing last years league campaign in a European spot.
The visitors started brightly, nearly taking the lead just 60 seconds in. A long throw into the box was flicked on finding Alex Lacovetti who’s well struck half volley brought Jack Walton into action early on.
The hosts grew into the game and went close on the ten minute mark when Craig Sibbald effort rattled the cross bar from distance.
Jim Goodwin’s side continued their first half dominance and found the deserved lead after thirty-four minutes. A perfect corner by Will Ferry picked out Ross Graham who headed the ball home. Questions have to be asked about brentford loanee Ellery Balcombe in the buddies net who failed to deal with the delviery towards his near post.
St Mirren academy graduate Fraser Taylor – making his first competitive start- created a great opportunity for the visitors to go level. His delviery into the box picked out Mikael Mandron who’s headed effort failed to cause Walton any issues. Taylor looked dangerous all afternoon before his premeture exit due to cramp in the 57th minute.
After their dissapointying UEFA Conference League defeat to Brann, St Mirren appeared fatigued in the second half, and made a number of defensive errors in the second half gifting the hosts a number of chances.
The best chance came on the 72nd minute mark. A delightful ball from Kristijan Trapanovski found Louis Moult behind the St Mirren back line. His right footed effort smashes off the bar to the feet of David Babunski whos rebounded effort was well blocked by Richard Taylor.
In the end, Graham’s headed effort was enough to see United progress to the last 8 while St Mirren’s dissapointing week continued with another exit from a cup competion
