Mathew Cudjoe produced a sumptuous leveller in the fifth minute of injury time to seal a dramatic 1-1 draw for Dundee United against Dunfermline.
The visitors appeared on course for a statement triumph at Tannadice following Craig Wighton’s pin-point header in the second half.
But Cudjoe’s second goal in his last two outings ensured a merited share of the spoils.
Courier Sport was there to analyse the action.
Missing Ross Docherty
Dundee United’s first summer signing has been one of their most vital.
Ross Docherty was handed the captaincy following his arrival from Partick Thistle and, allied with his leadership qualities, the midfielder’s performances have been superb in the United engine room.
As illustrated below, he was outstanding in the 4-0 victory over Arbroath.
Bigger challenges to come but, in the spirit of 'you can only beat what's in front of you', a superb league Dundee United league debut for captain Ross Docherty
Louis Moult grabbed the headlines, but Docherty at heart of everything at Arbroath
🧮 @StatsBomb pic.twitter.com/gCvr36dwZc
— Alan Temple (@alanftemple) August 7, 2023
And he was missed on Saturday. As well as his combative streak, Docherty has an ability to break the lines with fast, accurate forward passes; turning defence to attack at the blink of an eye.
That was lacking at times on Saturday, with the Pars afforded an opportunity to amass ranks at the back.
Liam Grimshaw was decent in the early stages, albeit more cautious in his distribution. But he was shifted back to right-back following injury to Kieran Freeman.
Archie Meekison came into midfield and didn’t look overly comfortable as a deep-lying “No.6”.
Docherty will be welcomed back with open arms — his hamstring tweak is not a serious one — when United travel to Ayr in a fortnight.
Sleepy concession
After three successive clean sheets (four, if including the 2-0 friendly win over Carlisle United), the Tangerines will be irked by the nature of Dunfermline’s opener.
The hosts were asleep for Josh Edwards’ clever throw-in.
The Pars full-back initially shaped up to launch a missile into the box and, as such, the Terrors set-up to defend that — only for roving centre-back Ewan Otoo to dash into acres of space (below) and create a two-on-one against Louis Moult.
🎥 Watch both the goals from yesterday's 1-1 draw with Dundee United in the SPFL cinch Championship.
Full Highlights Later! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/nVGXOxwIbX
— Dunfermline Athletic (@officialdafc) August 12, 2023
Otoo slipped the ball back to Edwards, and his delivery was pin-point perfect for Wighton, who had ghosted between Kevin Holt and Declan Gallagher.
A move that could have been thwarted at several steps.
Never say die
Hypotheticals are futile — but it is hard to shake the feeling that United would have lost that match last season.
The second period became an increasingly maddening spectacle for the Arabs.
Harry Sharp made a fine save to deny Mathew Cudjoe, while the Ghanaian volleyed inches wide after a delightful flick over Kyle Benedictus’ head. Meekison and Declan Glass shot wide. In total, the hosts had 16 efforts.
Given the Pars’ able defending and wily game management, one could have forgiven United for feeling like it would not be their day.
Instead, United were persistent, vocal and determined to push until the final whistle. They were far from their best on Saturday but, if nothing else, Goodwin has assembled a group with some guts and gumption.
At this formative stage of the season, it is difficult to tell who will emerge as bona fide tile contenders and — should the Fifers take that status — then this could be a valuable point.
Mark Ogren waiting for a win
United owner Mark Ogren must forget what it feels like to watch the Tangerines win in person.
The last triumph he witnessed in the flesh was last season’s stirring 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar. Since then, the Minnesota-based businessman has seen his side beaten by St Johnstone, Ross County, Kilmarnock and relegated at Motherwell.
On Saturday, Ogren was at Tannadice to watch the Terrors salvage a draw ahead of a busy week of engagements.
As well as regular liaisons with chief executive Luigi Capuano, Ogren will meet with manager Goodwin on Tuesday to discuss — among other things — the ongoing transfer strategy.
He is also expected to oversee the opening of United’s new stand at Gussie Park.
Putting on a show
A word is due for the Dundee United display team, who produced another fine tifo in the Eddie Thompson Stand lower as the teams took to the field.
📸 The stage is set for the opening Tannadice Championship showdown for Dundee United, as Dunfermline visit#DUFC #DAFC pic.twitter.com/AFNGBh7Lau
— Alan Temple (@alanftemple) August 12, 2023
Echoing efforts against AZ, Ross County, Livingston and St Johnstone last season, that has become a more regular — and most welcome — feature.
Allied with around 80 season ticket holders moving to that area with the expressed intent to improve the atmosphere at Tannadice, the fans should be commended for their ambition and initiative.
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