A frustrated Jim Goodwin insists Dundee United’s pre-season workout against Arbroath was “ruined” by impossible conditions at Gayfield.
The encounter – a testimonial for Lichties co-manager David Gold – saw both teams struggle to battle a gusting gale, with United dominant with the wind at their backs in the first period and opening the scoring through Bert Esselink.
It was no surprise to see Arbroath take the onus after the break and Scott Stewart deservedly levelled.
“The conditions have ruined what could possibly have been a decent game,” said Goodwin. “It was really difficult for both teams.
“In the first half, Arbroath could hardly get up the pitch against the wind, then it was a similar story for us. There’s not a great deal anyone can do about it, but it is very frustrating, nonetheless.
“It was impossible for the players to implement some of the things we’ve been working on. I don’t want to say it’s a wasted day because we’ll get the fitness aspect from it. But in terms of what we want to do in possession, it was virtually impossible.”
Gold was afforded a guard of honour prior to kick-off as his 10 years of service for the Lichties – boasting 333 appearances and counting – was honoured.
Esselink impact
After the pre-match festivities, United took just three minutes to claim the advantage, with Esselink powering home a ferocious close-range header following a clipped cross by debutant Dario Naamo.
Vicko Sevelj fired into the side-netting, while a fine block by Thomas O’Brien was required to thwart Zac Sapsford after some fine work by Kristijan Trapanovski on the left flank.
United were the dominant force in the first period but struggled to further test Aidan McAdams between the sticks. Of the summer arrivals, Panutche Camara shone in the heart of the engine room.
In typical pre-season fashion, the second period was a stuttering, interrupted affair – with United particularly lacking in fluency after changing the entire team and playing into the wind.
A second half turnaround
Aaron Steele came close to levelling for the hosts when he flashed a header narrowly wide.
However, parity was eventually restored when Stewart converted a superb Arran Pettifer corner-kick at the near post.
And Stewart passed up a wonderful chance to complete the turnaround in the dying embers after bursting through a Scott Constable challenge and into the box, only to smash his shot over the bar.
“Today was for David Gold,” added Goodwin.
“It was a great turnout of fans, and everyone showed their respect to a guy who has been a fantastic servant to the club. All in all, a good day for David – and not such a good day for us, reflecting on what we’d hoped to get from the game.”
Meanwhile, Zac Sapsford was withdrawn at half-time due to a dead leg. It is hoped he’ll be able to train on Monday. Miller Thomson and Sam Cleall-Harding should also be back in contention to face PEC Zwolle next Friday.
Dundee United (3-4-3): Richards (Adams 61); Esselink (Odada 61), Iovu (Dewar 61), Graham (Constable 61); Strain (Mudie 61), Sevelj (Sibbald 61), Camara (Pappoe 61), Ferry (Gilligan 61); Nammo (O’Donnell 61), Sapsford (MacLeod 45), Trapanovski (Welsh 61).
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