There were six new signings on show but it wasn’t the new start Dundee United were looking for.
The Tangerines were held to a 1-1 draw by Arbroath and then lost the Betfred cup bonus point when the Red Lichties triumphed in the penalty shoot-out.
Two of Csaba Laszlo’s summer recruits looked to have won it for the hosts, when Fraser Aird set up Nicky Clark for a poacher’s finish on 77 minutes.
Their lead lasted only five minutes, though, with Bobby Linn scoring from the spot after Kane Hester was tripped.
Arbroath had already missed a penalty early in the first half when Ryan Wallace dragged his effort past the post.
They were flawless in the shoot-out, however, winning it 5-3.
United substitute Logan Chalmers was the only player who didn’t find the net, with Linn scoring the goal that clinched the extra bonus point.
