On January 2, 2025, Dundee United triumphed over their local rivals Dundee with a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Scot Foam Stadium, sealing the win with Sam Dalby’s late strike. The match was filled with tension, showcasing the fierce competition synonymous with derby games.
The Dark Blues had shown promising form during the first half, dominating possession and crafting several goal-scoring opportunities. Their persistence bore fruit when Simon Murray successfully converted a penalty kick just after the hour mark. This penalty was awarded by referee Steven McLean after VAR intervened to review Kevin Holt's handball incident.
It was only four minutes later, though, when Dundee United responded emphatically through midfielder Vicko Sevelj, who equalized with a deft header from close range following a long throw-in. This goal shifted the momentum of the game dramatically, igniting the United side and their traveling supporters.
The attendance on the night was significant, with 11,585 fans witnessing what turned out to be an enthralling encounter between the two teams. The frantic pace of the match did not ease as both sides fought hard for the all-important winner, marked by nail-biting near misses and brilliant saves from both goalkeepers.
Just as the clock neared the 90-minute mark, United seized the advantage when Holt sprinted down the left flank, evading defenders before delivering the perfect cross for Dalby, allowing the on-loan striker to slot home from inside the box. This goal marked Dalb’s tenth goal in just 13 outings, reinforcing his reputation as the team's clinical finisher.
Dundee's manager, Tony Docherty, expressed his disappointment with the final result, stating, "Devastated. It's a game we should have won. We were really dominant in the game." He highlighted the team's need for improvement, especially citing defensive lapses and their inability to maintain composure after taking the initial lead.
Conversely, United's head coach Jim Goodwin celebrated his team’s resilience: "We're over the moon with the result. I don't know how many times I've had to mention the character within the group. The players didn't feel sorry for themselves and got back in the game pretty early after the goal." His faith in Dalby’s abilities was evident, with good vibrations surrounding the player's potential future at the club.
The second half unfolded with both teams pushing against each other, accentuating the rich history of rivalry and competition as players expressed their intensity on the pitch. Various opportunities were traded back and forth, from blocked shots to necessary saves from the keepers.
A highlight of the game was the high tempo and energy as tensions rose. Both teams created several chances but couldn't convert until the late drama unfolded. Dundee needed to manage the game more effectively, as their lead was sabotaged by poor attention during set pieces, something Docherty stressed should have been dealt with adequately during training.
For United, the victory not only secured bragging rights but also propelled them to third place on the Scottish Premiership table, leaving fans buzzing and hopeful about the remainder of the season. The excitement was palpable as fans celebrated, their jubilation reflecting the connection between the players and supporters.
With their next match scheduled against Hearts at Tannadice, United will look to build on this momentum and continue to assert their presence at the top of the league standings. Meanwhile, for Dundee, the focus will shift to addressing their defensive weaknesses and the need for improved management during matches to rebound from this disappointing derby defeat.