Smith Slams Defence

By Andrew Tyrell
August 11 2002

Alex Smith blasted his Dundee United defenders for allowing three points to slip away in the final 12 minutes against Kilmarnock.

Alex Smith blasted his Dundee United defenders for allowing three points to slip away in the final 12 minutes against Kilmarnock.

Steven Thompson gave United the lead in the 71st minute but poor work at the back allowed Craig Dargo and Kris Boyd to steal the points back to Rugby Park.

But Smith was left furious that his defence had cost his side the game.

Smith said: "I can't believe we didn't win that game. It was in the bag and some shocking defending allowed them to steal all the points.

"I don't want to take anything away from Kilmarnock, because they contributed to a very good game, but it was some awful defending from us that gave them it."

But Smith's back-line were not the only victims of his tongue-lashing.

The Tannadice boss criticised referee Dougie McDonald for not awarding a penalty when Kevin McGowne appeared to be fouled in the area.

Smith said: "The fans will have been entertained, because it was a good game with lots of effort from both sides.

"But you can't help thinking that we deserved a break, especially when you see Kevin McGowne being impeded in the box when he is about to shoot, but we got nothing for it."