Dundee United Reserves 4-1 Gretna Reserves

Gretna slipped to the bottom of the Reserve League table after a crushing defeat to rivals Dundee United.

The game, played in atrocious conditions at North End Park, saw a welcome return from injury for Steven Hogg and Abdul Osman but both will be disappointed with the result.

Gretna actually opened the scoring on 13 minutes when Henry Makinwa blasted home a free-kick from 20 yards after keeper Euan McLean was adjudged to have handled outside his area.

The lead lasted only two minutes though, when Mihael Kovacevic released Jonny Russell and he fired past Artur Krysiak.

And Russell scored his second 10 minutes before half-time to put United ahead. Ryan McCord split the Gretna defence with a terrific through-ball to find the striker and he slotted home.

The visitors endured a difficult second-half in blustery conditions and the strong wind played a part in third goal when McCord found the net direct from a corner.

Andy Smith’s young side continued to battle away but found themselves further behind midway through the half when Fraser Milligan raced on to a Scott Paterson pass and drilled the ball past Krysiak.

And only the woodwork prevented United from adding to the scoreline when substitute Ryan Dow struck the crossbar with a curling shot from distance.

Gretna: Krysiak, Shultz-Eklund, Hogg, O’Hara, Sharples, Smith, Fisher (McKinlay 25), Osman (Moffet 60), Makinwa (Cusack 46), Taylor, Robinson. Sub not used: Grant.