Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon was delighted with his side’s first Championship success at the weekend.
And Ray was just as happy with the performance as his men beat Ayr United 3-0 — well part of it, at least.
He felt the Tangerines were outstanding as they raced into a 2-0 first-half lead and, but for the heroics of visiting goalie Gary Fleming, it would have been at least a couple more.
“It was a good three points for us and we were great first half. Some of the football was fantastic, so we’re delighted with that.
“We created chances, their keeper had some good saves and I thought our movement and passing was good.”
The second half saw Ayr battle hard to get a foothold in the game and, while Ray would have liked to have seen his side dominate as they’d done in the first period, he could still take positives.
“We weren’t at our best in the second half. Credit to Ayr United for that because they came into the game a bit more but we were a bit sloppy.
“Ayr have good players — Gary Harkins is still very good.
“It doesn’t matter if he is playing for Dundee or Ayr, he is very good.
“That’s only the first or second time I’ve seen him in the flesh and he is a talent.
“And it’s difficult to dominate games of football for 90 minutes.
“We saw that in the second half but at least we didn’t give anything away and we got a great third goal.
“Although they had a bit more of the ball, Cammy Bell didn’t have too many saves to make.
“Overall, we would take a three-nil and there were some very pleasing things.
“It was important to get that first win and we’ve done it, so we can be happy about that.
“Now we move onwards and upwards, try to build on that performance and extend the good bits.”
Meanwhile, Harry Souttar is expected to complete his switch to Stoke in the next 24 hours or so.
But because the young centre-half is still under 18, his £250,00 move will have to be ratified by Fifa.
Cross-border transfers of players under that age are technically prohibited but if certain criteria is met they can be allowed.
Stoke and United are aware of the situation and confident all conditions will be met.
Once they are, Souttar will sign a three-year deal.
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