Tangerines take derby honours

Dundee United defeated their city rivals Dundee for the third time this season to secure a semi-final place in the Scottish Cup.

The Tangerines took an early lead through a Brian McLean header until Jim McAlister swiftly levelled, although Gary Mackay-Steven restored the visitors' advantage ten minutes before the break.

Manager Jackie McNamara was without injured top scorer Johnny Russell but soon witnessed McLean heading past goalkeeper Rab Douglas from Barry Douglas' eleventh-minute cross.

That lead lasted for only eight minutes, however, when a throw-in was knocked on for John Baird to set-up McAlister for an equaliser.

Nicky Riley was then cautioned for simulation after collapsing under a Willo Flood challenge inside the area as the home side pressed for another, while United keeper Cierzniak blocked Baird's low drive with his foot.

The visitors still went back in front on nineteen minutes as Stuart Armstrong released Mackay-Steven to race through and score before being booked for his goal celebrations.

Dundee replied with Riley seeing an effort parried by Cierzniak while opposite number Douglas dealt with a low Michael Gardyne shot following the restart.

Polish keeper Cierzniak also had to force clear a header from Grassi, who then almost headed into his own net until Douglas came to the rescue.

A later heated clash involving a number of players found both Keith Watson and Grassi entering the referee's notebook as the visitors retained their lead to join Celtic, Falkirk and either Kilmarnock or Hibernian in Monday's draw.

Dundee: R. Douglas, Irvine, Grassi, Toshney, Easton, Davidson, Riley (Stewart 72), Conroy, Baird, Milne (Nish 80), McAlister

subs (unused): Baird, Benedictus, McBride

Goals: McAlister (19)

Dundee United: Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, McLean, B. Douglas, Flood, Rankin, Armstrong, Mackay-Steven, Daly, Gardyne (Ryan 65)

subs (unused): Banks, Souttar, Millar, Gauld

Goals: McLean (11), Mackay-Steven (35)

Ref: Brines

Att: 10,191

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