Alloa Athletic 0-2 Dundee United: Russell double hands United Moscow boost

By Jack Robertson
Published on 25/07/2012 02:49

UNITED were given a stern test by second division Alloa before securing victory ahead of next week’s Europa League meeting with Dynamo Moscow.

Scorers: Dundee United - Russell 21, 76

The Tangerines were first to show when Gary Mackay-Steven caught Ben Gordon in possession before embarking on a promising run down the wing.

The Scotland U21 international’s cross looked well measured for Johnny Russell until home keeper Scott Bain made a timely intervention. However, Bain was helpless as Mackay-Steven turned provider when the SPL side took the lead on 21 minutes. Mackay-Steven’s threaded pass was perfectly placed for Johnny Russell to run through and pick his spot.

Russell was involved again as United aimed to build on their lead, his 40-yard run resulting in a cross which Michael Doyle managed to hook clear before Michael Gardyne got the chance to apply the finish.

Third division champions Alloa should have been level when Stevie Masterton’s pinpoint cross was headed wide by Martin Grehan from just six yards. It was a costly error because on 76 minutes United moved further ahead thanks to a defensive mix-up.

Graeme Holmes’ pass-back was surely intended for Harding but the defender let the ball roll through to his keeper.

It never got that far, though, as Russell nipped in to tap home an easy second.