New signing Mario Bilate netted his first goal for Dundee United to ensure their Dutch training camp culminated with an excellent victory against NAC Breda.
The 23-year-old signing from Sparta Rotterdam showed excellent composure to slide the ball past Jelle ten Rouwelaar following some super work out wide from Gary Mackay-Steven.
That came mere minutes after Brian Graham had restored parity to the contest, poking the ball through the legs of the big Breda keeper after being played through on goal by Bilate.
Despite the undoubted quality of Nadir Ciftci, the promise of Ryan Dow and the hype surrounding the arrival of Bilate, Graham looks hungry to ensure he does not slip down the pecking order and has been one of United’s star performers in Holland, registering three goals in as many games.
For long periods it appeared that a magnificent solo effort from Adnane Tighadouini would be enough to secure victory for the Eredivisie outfit.
However, the introduction of Bilate, Graham, Gary Mackay-Steven changed the game in United’s favour and by the end their triumph was fully merited.
And United boss Jackie McNamara can be satisfied with two good displays against Utrecht and Breda, teams of undoubted pedigree and technical quality, as well as a 6-0 hammering of FC Winterswijk.
United now return to Scotland this afternoon ahead of a visit to Championship outfit Hibs on Sunday, before their final match of their pre-season preparations against Leeds the following Saturday.
For a full match report and reaction, see Wednesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.