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Dundee
United
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6
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Otto,
Alexander (2), Adrian (2), Bernardo
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Hamburg
|
3
|
Soma
(2), Lars
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United began the day knowing only two wins would guarantee
them top spot. First up were a depleted but battling
Hamburg side who had their own motivation - to finish
in second - but the Tangerines flew out of the traps
and had the game wrapped up by half-time.
New boy Otto grabbed the first goal, squeezing his
shot in off the post and an unfortunate Glenn. Sam
V then provided the pass for Alexander to score and
although Soma pulled one back, Adrian added a quickfire
brace to put his side 4-1 up at the interval.
Within seconds of the restart Alexander's hopeful
free-kick squirmed past Glenn, which was quickly followed
by a Bernardo strike, Sam V again the provider. Soma
restored some pride with his second of the day after
a fine dribble, but Lars wasted a great chance moments
later as he blazed his spot kick over after being
fouled in the box.
Lars
did eventually find the net as he charged down Barnard's
clearance and the ball deflected into the net. At
the other end Alexander struck the post with a great
effort but United had done their job and a final score
of 6-3 gave them great confidence going into the Roma
game.
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|
Dundee
United
|
1
|
Bernardo
|
|
Roma
|
0
|
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And so it all came down to this game... With Roma
having beaten United three times and lost to them
twice, this game was too close to call. Knowing
a draw here and a victory against Hamburg would
be enough, the Reds were perhaps a little cagey
in their approach to this match. In truth both teams
played a very cautious game, knowing one slip up
could cost the title and the defences were very
much on top. Simon had the first sight of goal but
Barnard made a comfortable save. No real opportunites
presented themselves before half-time, with Roma
content to sit back while Dundee always had Simon
well covered, with Sam M outstanding.
As expected Dundee began to press after the break,
with Sam V and Adrian swinging in some fantastic
crosses, but a lack of bodies in the box meant Thorben
wasn't troubled. When Simon did escape Sam M, his
shooting was wayward and both teams began to look
very nervous as time ran out.
Mark
was stopped by a great Alex K block as he burst
through the middle and Alex H began to push his
side on. Pressure was mounting as Sam V and Adrian
continued to threaten, but as is so often the case
in big games, it was a set-piece that settled matters.
Sam V swung in a corner from the left which sent
bodies flying at the front post, but the ball evaded
everyone and as Bernardo backed away he managed
to control the bouncing ball deftly on his chest
and rifle a left-foot volley through the crowd and
into the roof of the net!!!
With
only a minute on the clock United had timed the
goal to perfection and although Simon had everyone's
hearts in their mouths, controlling Till's corner
but shooting just wide, the final whistle sounded
and the Tangerines were Champions!!! Well done to
all the Dundee United squad who participated throughout
the six matchdays and special praise for Sam M who
put in a terrific, mature and simply brilliant performance
in the "final match".
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|
Roma
|
8
|
Till
(4), Rein (2), Hugo, Simon
|
|
Hamburg
|
1
|
Lars
|
A dejected Roma side had only themselves to blame
as they found out the hard way that in football
you should never play for a draw. However, they
took some of their anger out on Hamburg and made
sure just a single point separated the top two in
the final standings.
Till
rattled in a double, with Rein and Hugo also finding
the net before half-time. Lars grabbed his second
of the day to leave his side trailing 4-1 at the
break.
Further
goals from Till (2), Simon and Rein again made the
final result 8-1 to Roma but it was all in vain
as they settled for second.
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