By Sean FTD83
February 11 2003

Dundee United boss Ian McCall was satisfied with a point in his first Dundee derby, especially after seeing his side reduced to 10 men for the third game in a row. McCall makes do with derby draw

Dundee United boss Ian McCall was satisfied with a point in his first Dundee derby, especially after seeing his side reduced to 10 men for the third game in a row.

United had taken the lead through a Dave Mackay own goal but were pegged back 11 minutes later when Nacho Novo took advantage of a Gary Bollan slip to slot the ball past Paul Gallacher.

United midfielder Charlie Miller was red-carded after 69 minutes for a deliberate handball, making United's task even more difficult especially as they have had a hectic schedule over the last eight days.

McCall was delighted with the application and effort of his team and said: "There were a lot of tired players out there because we've had a hectic eight days. I thought it was an heroic effort towards the end especially as we were reduced to 10 men for the third time.

"It feels like a win when you go down to 10 men and still get a point. I never want to draw matches, but when you consider the schedule we've had over the last week this is a promising result."

McCall also refused to criticise Miller for his sending-off and insisted that the player's handball can be put down to tiredness rather than stupidity.

He did not dispute the decision of referee John Rowbotham, as he was acting to the letter of the law, but feels Miller has been harshly treated.

He said: "I think Charlie's handball was more to do with tiredness than anything else. That's three red cards now, but I think it's more to do with the fact the players are trying so hard than anything else. It will sort itself out, there is nothing to get worked up about."