Dundee United 1-1 Saints

Last updated : 06 August 2011 By Stuart Gillespie

It shows how much things seem to have changed this season that we're frustrated at only taking a point from a side that will be in the running to finish third this season. Fact is, I'd have taken it before the game and even at half time, when we were 1-0 up but a man down. To manage to get a point despite suffering injuries to both our centre halfs is a terrific achievement. It also means we're still unbeaten, not bad going after three games.

Saints once again went with the side that had started the last two games but there was a delay in the first half when Jim Goodwin clattered Scott Severin and he had to be stretchered off. Once play resumed, it wasn't long before Saints were in front - Nigel Hasselbaink going on one of his runs before cutting the ball back for Thompson to force home his first Buddies goal against his former club. After missing a penalty against Dunfermline and a sitter against Aberdeen it's great to see him finally get off the mark.

Hasselbaink continued to torment the home defence, twice shooting wide after going on fine runs. However, there was a let off when Craig Samson saved Garry Kenneth's free-kick and Keith Watson fired the rebound wide with the goal gaping.

Right on half time came what is becoming an increasingly bizarre moment. Hasselbaink burst through with United's Paul Dixon all over him. There was some contact, Dixon hit the deck and Crawford Allan sent off Hasselbaink. Apparently it was for an elbow - but even the BBC commentary team suggest it was a ridiculous decision. What striker is going to elbow someone when they're clean through?!?

That was always going to make the second half difficult, especially with Lee Mair struggling with injury. Daly headed wide before equalising midway through the half from Scott Allan's pass. There was a bit of an onslaught and Darren McGregor was lost to injury - but somehow we clung on.

A great result in the circumstances, but it will be interesting to see what happens with the red card. Will we appeal it? If not, we'll be without Hasselbaink for the Motherwell game which will be a problem - although not as bad as if both our central defenders are out!

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