Scottish Cup: Dundee break United stranglehold with 'resilient' win

Dundee manager Tony Docherty described his team's Scottish Cup victory over city rivals Dundee United, which secured their place in the last 16, as "redemption." It was their first derby win in seven years, having failed to win in their previous eight encounters, including a 2-1 defeat in the Scottish League earlier in January.

This was also the first time since 1956 that they had eliminated the team from Tannadice Street in the Scottish Cup. Although Dundee still trail Jim Goodwin's third-placed side by 10 points and four places in the Scottish top flight, they will hope this victory can dent United’s dominance in this fixture.

Unlike the match at the same venue earlier this month, Dundee United were unable to come back from a goal down this time. "The players wanted to right the wrongs," Docherty told BBC Scotland. Not only can Dundee fans regain some bragging rights, but they also hope the balance of city football power is shifting towards the dark blue-clad side.

Notably, former United striker Simon Murray, a Dundee fan since childhood, scored the winning goal, heading home a precise effort in the first minute of the match. He returned to his hometown last summer and spoke about what winning on derby day meant to him. "I'm from here and I wanted to come back to my family," he said. "That's what it's all about." "Derby games are one of the ones you look forward to, so it’s great to come away with a win."

After the match, Docherty praised his team’s "mentality, resilience and character," comments that are understandable given the circumstances. Dundee are currently missing injured defenders Ziyad Larkeche, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy, Jordan McGhee, and Billy Koumetio. They have struggled for defensive solidity this season, and this derby victory was only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Dundee produced a series of last-ditch blocks in the second half, the most impressive of which was Ethan Ingram's goal-line clearance, which denied United substitute Rory MacLeod a certain goal on his debut after joining on loan from Wolves. Whenever the defensive line was breached, goalkeeper Trevor Carson was on hand to respond until a stoppage-time shot from Cristian Trappanowski struck the post and bounced away.

"You saw the mentality, resilience, and character the team showed in the game, and ultimately getting the clean sheet," Docherty said. "Considering everything - I’ve got five centre-halves out - it just shows you what they are all about. I’ve got good players, and we were excellent on the counter-attack." "They put us under pressure, but my boys stood up to it."

Match-winner Murray embodied Dundee’s energy, leading the press from the front and providing an almost constant goal threat in an impressive first half, all starting with that decisive goal. The former United and Ross County forward echoed his manager’s sentiments about the players' work ethic. "We gave everything for it," the 33-year-old said. "It feels amazing - so buzzing to get the win." "The old legs were tired at the end, but it was all worth it. Absolutely delighted and looking forward to the next round."

Dundee will host Championship bottom side Arbroath in the weekend beginning February 8th, but Docherty insists they will not get carried away, despite their opponents' struggles. However, he is pleased to continue their cup run at Dens Park and praised the home fans for the part they played in helping his players to victory. "We’ll give Arbroath the utmost respect," Docherty added. "I’m delighted we’ve got a home game."

"I saw the atmosphere tonight, and that’s a synergy between the players and the fans at Dens. They saw the effort the players put in." "We won’t get carried away. It was a real tough task to come and beat a strong home team and get a clean sheet tonight. We’ll see what happens next."