Scotland scores in Dundee United win

GLASGOW: Trinidad and Tobago’s Jason Scotland netted one of three Dundee United goals as they outscored Dunfermline 3-2 in the Scottish Premier League on Tuesday night. Dundee United shot 3-0 ahead early in the football match and survived a spirited Dunfermline comeback to claim the win and strengthen their grip on fifth place in the standings. Charlie Miller, Chris Innes and Scotland pushed United into a commanding lead within 30 minutes. Trinidadian Collin Samuel assisted on the opening goal after only eight minutes, slicing a pass inside the box for Miller to bundle the ball into the net from six yards.

United’s Trinidadian connection should have sent them further ahead on the quarter hour when Scotland bolted free of the defence and laid an open goal at Samuel’s mercy.  But Samuel amazingly hit the ball off a defender and wide of the post from point-blank range. The home side’s concerted pressure forced the second goal in the 23rd minute through Innes, with help from Scotland.  Barry Robson’s corner kick zipped past a host of players and a glancing flick on from Scotland, whose presence had left Dunfermline’s defence flat-footed, found Innes for a headed goal. Seven minutes later, Scotland capitalised on clumsy defensive work and scored into an unguarded net for his fifth goal of the season.  Dunfermline made a fight of it with goals before halftime from Lee Bullen (34) and Stevie Crawford (46), but Dundee United played steadily to the finish to collect three points. (CMC)