Csaba Laszlo: No favourite ahead of Dundee United-Dunfermline second leg

Posted Thursday, May 03, 2018 by PA

Dundee United boss Csaba Laszlo remains reluctant to accept the tag of favourites going into his side’s Premiership play-off second leg.

United host Dunfermline on Friday night in the second leg of the play-off quarter-final, with a meeting against Livingston awaiting the winner.

The two sides were locked at 0-0 on Tuesday night in the first leg, with both enjoying good chances but unable to hit the back of the net thanks to superb goalkeeping performances on both sides even after the Pars had a man sent off.

With their budget, the Tangerines have been expected to escape the second tier of Scottish football ever since their relegation two years ago, but despite going back to Tannadice with the game still level, Laszlo insists they will not be considered favourites.

“I don’t think we are the big favourites, because Dunfermline have played 11 games in a row without losing,” he said. “In their stadium we played the last 25 minutes (against 10 men) and didn’t score, so generally I think both teams are similar.

“Here last time it was a draw, and I think they are capable of scoring everywhere. For this reason I don’t think we are favourites. I think we have to play against a team that is always dangerous up front.”

It was an even encounter at East End Park despite Lee Ashcroft’s red card, with Deniz Mehmet and Lee Robinson often forced into action to pull off stunning saves, and that threat has left a lasting impression on the United boss.

“Dunfermline had chances,” he said. “It’s not just us that had fantastic chances. I think both goalkeepers did a good job so its the second leg now at Tannadice and maybe the home supporters will be more in favour of Dundee United, but the job must be done on the pitch.”

Pars striker Declan McManus made a big impression when coming off the bench during the goalless draw and came as close to anyone to scoring when his header hit the crossbar and he is till confident his side can get the job done.

“Before the tie started we always believed that we could get through over the two legs,” he told the club website. “The way that it has turned out is not a bad result in any way, shape or form.”

He added: “We know that we will have plenty of fans up there as well like United did on Tuesday. If they are going to feel the pressure that is up to them. We will go into the game in exactly the same way as we did on Tuesday night and go there to win it.”