Gary Mackay-Steven fired Dundee United into the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals as Jackie McNamara tasted victory in his first derby as manager.
The winger drilled a shot under Rab Douglas in the 35th minute of an absorbing first half at Dens Park after Dundee midfielder Jim McAlister had cancelled out Brian McLean’s headed opener.
Dundee had brought in John Brown as interim manager the previous weekend in a bid to save their season but United maintained the upper hand in the city clashes. However, this was closer than the previous three encounters, including a pre-season friendly, which all ended 3-0 to the Tannadice men.
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Barry Douglas swung in the free-kick and McLean rose above everyone else to beat Dundee goalkeeper Douglas to the ball and head into an empty net from inside the six-yard box.
Dundee worked the ball into the box to John Baird, who laid it off for McAlister to slot into the bottom corner from 16 yards and spark bedlam as the home fans celebrated a derby goal for the first time in eight years.
But Mackay-Steven’s strike sealed the win for United and sees them claim a place in the last four.
For full derby coverage pick up a copy of Monday’s Courier or try our digital edition.