A few minutes later Arturs Vailculis had to look sharp, coming well outside his penalty area to beat John Murray to a long through ball. The ball then went to Darren Cole on the right and keeper Grant was almost caught out when his cross came back of the crossbar. Jut after the half hour mark a great Rangers move almost produced a goal. A quick break from a free kick saw Stephen Stirling play the ball to Archie Campbell, an exquisite flick from Campbell sent Steven Forbes clear, as Grant advanced from goal he blocked Forbes shot which was a little too straight.
Five minutes before half time a long throw from Kane Hemmings was headed out to the edge of the box, from where it was volleyed narrowly over by Stephen Stirling.
Half Time:- Dundee United 0 Rangers 0
The first chance after the break came 10 minutes in, a turn in midfield by Stirling wrong footed the United midfield he then fed Kal Naismith on the left, he advanced towards the byline and back heeled the ball to Steven Forbes, Forbes cross was met by the head of Archie Campbell who headed tamely past.
On 63 minutes the home side took the lead, Gavin Stokes advanced through midfield, he hit a tremendous shot from 30 yards which came back of the bar. With Vailculis stranded, John Murray had a simple task to head home the rebound. Rangers almost replied straight away, a corner from the left by Stirling was flicked on at the near post by Isa Bagci but was cleared off the line.
United almost scored again on 73 minutes, Scott Allan took the ball from a short corner on the left, he cut inside beating two defenders and his shot went narrowly past the far post. The second goal was only delayed a few minutes, a quickly taken free kick saw Jamie Ness stop with his arm raised, presumably claiming offside, this allowed Ryan Dow race clear. As he advanced into the box Vailculis blocked his first effort, but was helpless as he netted the rebound.
In the final 5 minutes Rangers put the United box under siege and came close an a number of occasions. First Kyle Hutton shot straight at Grant, next some great play by Dylan McGeough saw his shot deflected. just when it looked like going inside the post, Grant produced a fine save.
From the corner Ross Perry's header was cleared off the line, then deep into injury time a long throw from Hemmings fell to Stephen Stirling who's shot came back off the bar.
A disappointing performance and result, despite having the majority of possession they failed to create many clear cut chances. With Hibs comfortably overcoming Hamilton Accies the lead at the top is down to a single point. It has set up an exciting head to head next Friday morning at Murray Park.
Full Time:- Dundee United 2 Rangers 0
Dundee United Lineup:- Connor Grant; Michael Lee, Cameron Howie (Chris Irvine 30 mins), Ross Smith, David Shaw; Lewis Swanson , Scott Allan, Gavin Stokes, Ross McCord, Ryan Dow; John Murray ( Robert Thomson 85 mins)
Rangers Lineup:- Arturs Vailculis; Darren Cole, Ross Perry, Danny Wilson, Steven Forbes (Max Wright 74mins); Kyle Hutton, Stephen Stirling, Jamie Ness, Kal Naismith (Isa Bagci 56mins); Archie Campbell (Dylan McGeough 67 mins), Kane Hemmings'
Not Used:- Grant Adam, Scott Durie.
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