Dundee United Football Club clinched the Championship title following a goalless draw against Airdrieonians at Excelsior Stadium. The match, which occurred on Friday, April 26, 2024, featured a somewhat lacklustre performance from both teams, yet it proved sufficient to crown Dundee United as the champions.
DUFC XI witnessed two alterations, as Chris Mochrie and David Wotherspoon were included in the starting lineup. The match also showcased seven Academy graduates in the matchday squad, underscoring the club’s dedication to fostering young talent.
Airdrieonians initiated the game with momentum, compelling Dundee United goalkeeper Jack Walton to make several early saves. United’s first notable opportunity arose in the 21st minute when Craig Sibbald fired over from the edge of the area. Despite some encouraging play from Glenn Middleton, neither team managed to break the deadlock in the first half.
In the second half, Dundee United made three substitutions in an attempt to infuse more creativity into their play. Despite Airdrieonians’ escalating pressure, Walton made pivotal saves to maintain the level score. The closest Dundee United came to scoring was through Louis Moult’s effort that hit the side netting.
Subsequent to the match, Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin conveyed his contentment with the result, remarking, “It’s not a game we’ll over-analyse, it wasn’t pretty, we know that. Ultimately we got the result we needed and I’m very pleased it’s official – we are the Champions.”
The line-ups for the match comprised of Hemfrey, Hancock, Fordyce, McGregor, McMaster, Megwa, Watson, Telfer (c), McGill, Lyall, and Donnell for Airdrieonians; and Walton, McClelland, Graham, Wotherspoon, Sibbald, Middleton, Fotheringham, Mochrie, Thomson, Watt (c), and McMann for Dundee United.
Dundee United will now be anticipating their forthcoming match against Partick Thistle at Tannadice, as they prepare to commemorate their Championship victory.
The triumph was captured in an image by Richard Wiseman, the club’s photographer.