FT: Dundee United 2 Livingston 0

By Sean Saranczuk
December 18 2003

A double from Billy Dodds gave Dundee United their first ever home win over Livingston.

The West Lothian side had enjoyed an unbeaten record in previous encounters at Tannadice but Dodds' first-half header and 80th minute tap-in handed United a 2-0 victory.

David Hay's side enjoyed much of the possession in the first half, but faded after losing the goal and were indebted to goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie for keeping the match alive until Dodds' 80th-minute second.

United took the lead in the 41st minute, against the run of play, when Dodds used all his experience and guile to nick in a yard ahead of everyone to meet a Barry Robson free-kick from the left.

The ex-Scotland international sent his effort spinning to the back post, out of the reach of the goalkeeper, for his second goal in as many games.

The Tangerines should have added another right on the half-time whistle when Roddy McKenzie came to claim a cross and made a hash of it, but, thankfully for Livi, he managed to compose himself enough to beat away Mark Kerr's follow-up.

United had a tentative penalty claim waved away three minutes into the second half when Emmanuel Dorado appeared to use a hand to knock the ball away from Jim McIntyre.

Dorado then came to Livi's rescue in the 65th minute by angling his body in front of Robson to deny him a free header on goal.

The winger had looked favourite to get on the end of McIntyre's cross but the Livi defender made up ground well.

However, Dodds made certain of the victory with 10 minutes left, pouncing after some excellent play from the tireless Robson.

Robson hit a 25-yard shot past McKenzie, but it bounced back off the post. However, Dodds had followed in and was left with an unprotected net and the ball at his feet six yards out.