Bennie seals first home win

Dundee United have their first home league win of the season. Daniel Bennie’s thirty-fifth-minute goal beat Hibs one-nil at Tannadice. Jim Goodwin kept the same starting eleven that won three-nil at St Mirren. The victory lifted United to fifth overnight, with eleven points from eight matches.

Hibs made the brighter start, but United took control as the first half developed. Jesse Randall twice tested goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger, while Bennie sent two efforts off target before breaking through. A cross was only partly cleared, Lyall Cameron lifted the ball back into the six-yard area, and Bennie forced it home for his first United goal.

United kept creating after the break. Bennie arrived onto a Kevin Ciubotaru cross but put the chance wide, then had another effort blocked after Randall’s cut-back. Late on, Neil Farrugia was brought down by Hibs substitute Jacob Devaney. The initial penalty became a free-kick after a VAR review because the foul was outside the area, and Devaney was sent off. Jack Walton then made a stoppage-time save from Martin Boyle to protect the clean sheet.

Goodwin says United showed real quality for most of the match and defended with resilience during Hibs’ strongest spell. He believes the unchanged team had earned the right to keep their shirts, while the competition from the bench remained important. He also highlighted the growing understanding between Zidane Iqbal, Dylan Tait and Lyall Cameron. All three were comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and helped United play through Hibs’ press.

The result delivered the consistency Goodwin wanted after the international break. United have followed the three-nil win in Paisley with another victory and another clean sheet. They have scored four without reply across those two league matches. The first home league win also removes one of the early-season frustrations the manager had acknowledged.

Bennie says the squad’s energy and all-round play were strong from start to finish. He had been told to get into the box more often, and his winning goal came from doing exactly that. The attacker admitted he could have scored more, but said the main feeling was delight at the three points. Goodwin added that Bennie puts extensive work into his individual game after training.

Next up, United make the short trip to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park next Saturday. Kick-off is at three o’clock. St Johnstone are away to Aberdeen at two o’clock this afternoon, before attention turns to United’s visit.

Sources:
Dundee United Football Club
SPFL
Dundee United Football Club
SPFL
Dundee United Football Club
St Johnstone Football Club
SPFL