Airdrieonians vs Dundee United. Scottish Championship.
Penny Cars Stadium.
Dundee were already six points clear at the top with two matches to play but with a massively superior goal difference before the match
Friday 26 April 2024 23:09, UK
Dundee United have been promoted back to the Scottish Premiership at the first attempt after a 0-0 draw with Airdrieonians on Friday.
The celebrations had begun at the weekend as they were six points clear at the top with two matches to play but with a massively superior goal difference and Airdrie recognised this by welcoming the visitors with a guard of honour.
However, that was as far as their respect extended as they enjoyed the better of the first half, with Arron Lyall coming closest to breaking the deadlock just before half-time when his shot was brilliantly tipped over by goalkeeper Jack Walton.
After the break midfielder Lewis McGregor's cross-cum-shot bounced just wide with Lyall, again, and Josh O'Connor testing Walton as the hosts continued to create the better chances but United were happy to settle for the point which confirmed their return to the top flight.
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin to BBC Scotland: "We are absolutely delighted as you would expect. I hope we don't analyse the game too much as I think we looked like a team who enjoyed a good few celebrations over the last weekend.
"It's not an easy league. Last time it took four attempts to get out it. I think the players and staff deserve credit for getting out of it in one season.
"I think the supporters deserve a great amount of credit. They travel in great numbers away from home and at home, we have a seven or eight thousand average. They had to suffer a lot last season, but they rallied around in the summer. They bought into what we were trying to do.
"Congratulations to Airdrie. Rhys McCabe deserves so much credit. They're playing terrific football and we wish them all the best in the play-offs."
You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!