Penicuik put up good show as United show their class

PENICUIK ATHLETIC played host to a Dundee United side packed with talent and were far from disgraced in a 4-1 defeat.

Boss Craig Meikle has been busy in the close season as he prepares for a push for the Premier League title, bringing in Michael McDermott from Linlithgow, Paul Riley from Bathgate and goakeeper Craig Coyle from Bonnyrigg.

Dundee United youth coach Paul Hegarty brought a sprinkling of first-team regulars plus youngsters and it was the visitors who took the lead with a terrific piece of play down the right wing after 20 minutes.

Stuart Armstrong used his pace to drive down the wing before playing in Michael Lee whose low cross found Ryan McCord at the back post and he slammed the ball home.

United doubled their lead 20 minutes later when Francisco Sandaza created space in the box to slide the ball home. In the 70th minute, Ross Smith headed home a corner to put them three up but, with eight minutes to go, Penicuik substitute Ryan Gay scored a tremendous free-kick to reduce the deficit. United added a fourth in the dying minutes with an exquisite lob from sub striker Glenn Hawe.

Elsewhere, in the Kenny Carruthers Memorial Trophy, Bathgate had to come from behind against Armadale to win 2-1.

Broxburn faced Bonnyrigg Rose and it was the Super League side who came out on top 3-1.

Newtongrange were at Civil Service Strollers and won comfortably 3-0, while Dalkeith also faced East of Scotland opposition in Kelso United and won 2-1. Boness beat Petershill 3-0.