Dundee Utd 0-0 Dunfermline Ath

United's Collin Samuel (right) beats Scott Muirhead

Dundee United and Dunfermline Athletic had to settle for a point each in a tight encounter at Tannadice.

The Tangerines had the best of the play overall, particularly in the second half, but failed to convert a string of chances to win.

The Pars spurned a first-half penalty when Mark Burchill's effort cannoned off the post for their best moment.

Dunfermline defended in depth to earn a point, but Craig Brewster's side saw an opportunity for maximum points missed.

The Pars travelled looking to build on last weekend's morale-boosting draw against Rangers, while United were seeking their first win for 11 matches.

Dunfermline kept the same team and were boosted by the return of Darren Young and Aaron Labonte to the squad.

United were without the services of Lee Miller, who was sent off in last week's 0-0 draw at Kilmarnock, with Noel Hunt taking his place.

The only other change to United's line-up saw David Proctor handed his home debut after his move from Inverness, replacing Lee Mair who missed out with a knee injury.

Collin Samuel could have put United ahead after just nine minutes but he shot tamely at Roddy McKenzie after connecting with the ball six yards out.

Referee Mike Tumilty awarded the Fifers a penalty in the 18th minute, when Alan Archibald clipped the heels of Mark Burchill in the 18-yard-box.

Burchill stepped up to take the kick, but despite sending United keeper Derek Stillie the wrong way, the striker saw his effort rebound off the base of the post and roll to safety.

The Pars then suffered another blow seven minutes later, when Simmons could not continue and had to be replaced by Young.

Both teams were enterprising but lacked the cutting edge in an entertaining first period.

United did have a good penalty claim turned down when Barry Robson was held back by Labonte just prior to the break.

Following a disappointing first half, the home side started the second period in determined fashion and immediately set about attacking the Dunfermline backline.

In a frantic 60-second spell, David McCracken had the first opportunity for United in the 53rd minute.

Samuel's cross looped up off the head of Labonte and the defender saw a downward header from six yards well saved by McKenzie.

The away side remained under pressure though and, following Samuel's blistering surge past Labonte, this time the forward's centre reached the far side of the penalty area, where Duff turned the ball back across goal.

It was a perfect side-footed cross towards McKenzie's back post but Wilson cleared and the visitors survived.

Ten minutes later, a foul by Gary Mason on Hunt 20 yards from goal presented United with a free-kick in a dangerous area.

But Robson's subsequent delivery was poor as it eluded all of the home attackers inside the Dunfermline penalty area.

United kept pressing until the closing stages, launching another blitz at Dunfermline.

In the final minute, Robson saw a 25-yard free kick fantastically saved by McKenzie, before a surging run from Steven Robb in injury time nearly ended in a winning goal, but the substitute placed his effort wide.

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Dundee Utd: Stillie, Proctor, McCracken, Archibald, Kalvenes, Duff (Conway 85), Kerr, Cameron (Robb 85), Robson, Samuel, Hunt. Subs Not Used: McLean, Kenneth, Gardiner, Easton, Robertson.

Dunfermline: McKenzie, Scott Wilson, McGuire, Bamba, Woods, Mason, McCunnie (Owen Morrison 87), Simmons (Young 25), Muirhead (Labonte 41), Burchill, Tod. Subs Not Used: Devries, Craig Wilson, Ross, Smith. Booked: Woods, Scott Wilson, McGuire, Young.

Att: 6,171

Ref: M Tumilty