Falkirk 0 - 0 Dundee Utd: Dundee's winning streak comes to an end

Published on Saturday 1 November 2008 16:46

DUNDEE United were bidding for a seventh straight victory as they made the trip to the Falkirk Stadium for the clash of the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-finalists.

Dundee United were bidding for a seventh straight victory as they made the trip to the Falkirk Stadium for the clash of the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-finalists.

Levein made just one change from the side that saw off Dunfermline in the cup in midweek, striker Warren Feeney coming in for Francisco Sandaza for today's Clydesdale Bank Premier League match.

Jon Daly (groin) missed out, but captain Lee Wilkie was again fit enough to start after suffering a slight thigh problem. Defender Mihael Kovacevic was back on the bench following a broken cheek.

Falkirk made two alterations after their quarter-final victory over Inverness.

Bairns boss John Hughes appeared to have named a cautious line-up as he benched strike duo Graham Barrett and Michael Higdon, bringing in midfielder Patrick Cregg and restored forward Steve Lovell after suspension.

It was a cagey opening from both sides, Falkirk deploying only Lovell up front in contrast to a typical three-pronged attack.

An early slip from Dean Holden at left-back appeared to have handed United an opening, but they were unable to capitalise as the Bairns regrouped.

The Tannadice team were playing a high defensive line, strangling Falkirk of their usual space and thwarting their passing game.

As a low-key match continued, almost 20 minutes had elapsed without either side carving out a chance or even having an attempt on goal.

Darren Barr was forced to clear from inside his six-yard box as Feeney lurked, but United's first corner came to nothing. Feeney then wildly blasted wide to at least register an effort.

Falkirk, however, suddenly found some life midway through the half and came close to breaking the stalemate.

First, Cregg burst forward into the penalty area from midfield, exchanged passed with Lovell and was set to strike before Sean Dillon made a superb covering block.

Seconds later, Kevin McBride struck a 22-yard drive Lukasz Zaluska found too hot to handle, but the Pole was grateful to Gerard Aafjes for knocking the rebound into his arms.

As the match at last livened, Neil McCann glanced a header wide from Cregg's cross before Morgaro Gomis drove straight at Scott Flinders at the other end.

Flinders was then called into action again on the half-hour mark, the former England Under-20 player saving at his near post from Roy O'Donovan after the Irishman had fortunately got the break of the ball.

Four minutes from the interval, Burton O'Brien had the home fans on their feet as his curling shot looked destined to arc into the top right-hand corner – but it flashed just past.

Aafjes then brilliantly cleared a loose ball from almost his goal-line as Feeney seemed set to net.

Gomis was the first player to be cautioned after 51 minutes, before Arfield saw a left-footed effort pushed away by Zaluska after a misplaced Cregg pass broke into his path.

The United number one made an even better save soon after as he stopped Jackie McNamara's searing shot and thanked Darren Dods for clearing up for a corner. From the set piece, Holden flashed his header over.

Falkirk were in the ascendancy and their cause was dramatically helped on 57 minutes when the visitors were reduced to 10 men.

O'Donovan slid in to make a hard challenge on Aafjes at the corner flag and referee Iain Brines had no hesitation in brandishing the red card.

There were few protests from United, but it appeared a slightly harsh decision. McNamara was then booked for a challenge on the far touchline.

McNamara had hurt himself for his earlier caution and Lee Bullen was brought on in his place on 71 minutes.

Hughes' charges were struggling for openings despite their man advantage, with McBride only driving weakly into Zaluska's arms.

Craig Conway then passed up a glorious United opening in the 75th minute, brilliantly creating space near the by-line, cutting inside but only finding the side-netting from a tight angle.

Hughes made a swift second change, a tiring Holden replaced by Graham Barrett. Conway later departed for the arrival of Prince Buaben.

Falkirk pressed for the winner but United – who have now conceded only once in seven games – comfortably claimed a draw.