Derby Assist
---
Dundee United stepped onto the pitch in their favored 4-4-2 formation, a staple of British football for decades. Few formations were as deeply ingrained in the English and Scottish game as this one. It emphasized defensive stability, wide play, and an emphasis on partnerships, both in attack and midfield.
The 4-4-2 had been the bread and butter of legendary managers, most notably Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scotsman had relied on it for nearly his entire career, building dominant Manchester United sides around its structure. With its rigid defensive lines, reliance on overlapping full-backs, and strike partnerships, the system was simple but effective—especially when executed well.
Despite being a regular part of the matchday squad, Liam Carter was once again left on the bench for this fixture. The team's starting right midfielder was Morgaro Gomis, a quick and agile Senegalese winger who had been a crucial player last season. With his explosive pace and ability to carry the ball forward, Gomis was a key figure in Dundee United's attack.
But today wasn't just any match—it was a derby, the kind of game where everything felt different. The tempo, the atmosphere, the aggression—it was all turned up a notch.
Tannadice Park was alive with energy. The home fans, eager to see their side bounce back from a string of disappointing results, roared as the match kicked off. Their voices were an almost tangible force, pushing their team forward.
The impact was immediate. Just three minutes into the game, Dundee United capitalized on the electric atmosphere, surging forward and striking first. The stadium erupted as the ball hit the net, the sheer force of the celebration shaking the very foundations of the stands.
However, Dundee United's intensity began to wane as the game progressed. While they managed to carve out two more scoring opportunities in the first half, they failed to convert. Their opponents, Aberdeen, absorbed the pressure and waited for their moment.
That moment came just before the halftime whistle. Aberdeen earned a corner kick in stoppage time and made the most of it. A perfectly placed cross found its target, and a powerful header sent the ball crashing into the net.
1-1.
The equalizer silenced the home crowd, their earlier cheers now replaced with frustrated groans. The first half ended in deadlock—a fair reflection of the game so far.
---
Inside the dressing room, the mood was tense. Players sat in silence, catching their breath, wiping sweat from their brows, and listening for instructions. But something felt off.
Liam studied head coach Peter Houston. The man was slumped against the whiteboard, absentmindedly rubbing his temples. His words were coming out slower than usual, lacking conviction. His tactical instructions were generic—more of a formality than a plan.
Liam frowned. Was this guy really the head coach?
One equalizer in stoppage time had been enough to drain the man of all confidence. His spirit seemed broken, his energy gone. A single goal shouldn't have this much of an effect on a manager.
Liam glanced around. Some of the other players had noticed it too. A few were exchanging uncertain looks, and others were pretending to listen, their expressions blank.
He exhaled sharply. Maybe it was time to start thinking about a new coach.
---
The players returned to the pitch for the second half, but there were no immediate changes from Dundee United.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen wasted no time. Just five minutes after the restart, the visitors made their first substitution. They swapped out a striker for a midfielder, signaling their intent to tighten up defensively.
The reaction from the stands was swift and unforgiving.
"BOOOOOO!"
The stadium echoed with discontent. The source of the jeers was unclear—whether they were directed at Aberdeen's conservative tactics or at Houston's lack of action—but one thing was certain: the home fans were growing restless.
Liam heard shouts from the crowd, and his name was among them. They wanted to see him on the pitch.
Finally, the coaching staff made a move.
"Liam, Stewart, start warming up," assistant coach Toby Harrison instructed.
Liam rose from the bench, stretching his legs before jogging along the sidelines. As he did, he turned to Stewart Armstrong with a grin.
"Hey, Moon," Liam said, nudging his teammate. "Think we can turn this game around?"
"Why do you keep calling me Moon?" Armstrong shot back, puzzled.
"Who's the most famous Armstrong you can think of?" Liam asked.
Stewart thought for a moment before answering. "Neil Armstrong?"
"Exactly. The guy walked on the moon. So when people hear 'Armstrong,' they think of space. Hence, Moon."
Armstrong smirked. "You know what? I kinda like it. Moon has a nice ring to it."
---
In the 58th minute, Dundee United made their long-awaited substitutions. Liam replaced Gomis in a straight swap on the right wing, while Armstrong came on for Prince Buaben, bringing more attacking intent to the midfield.
Liam barely had time to settle before an opponent made his presence known.
"Soft-footed little brat," sneered Aberdeen's left-back, Rory McArdle. "You won't last five minutes out here."
Liam ignored the jab, keeping his focus on the game. His rapid rise to attention after the Liverpool match had made him a target. Opponents wanted to test him—to push him around, expose any weaknesses.
In the 61st minute, he received his first pass. Before he could take a step, McArdle barreled into him. Liam barely managed to offload the ball before hitting the turf, earning a free kick.
Picking himself up, he turned to McArdle with a smirk. "Hey mate, I think the hardest part of your body is your mouth."
McArdle scowled, clearly annoyed.
Rather than engage in repeated physical duels, Liam began shifting toward the center, moving away from McArdle's direct line of fire.
Then, his moment came.
---
In the 74th minute, Dundee United launched a long ball forward.
Jon Daly challenged for it but couldn't win the aerial battle. The ball bounced loose just outside the penalty area.
Liam was already on the move. He sprinted into position, took one touch, and threaded a perfectly timed through-ball into the box.
"Liam Carter with a beautiful pass—he's picked out Armstrong!" the commentator roared.
Armstrong, running at full speed, latched onto the ball, breaking through Aberdeen's defensive line. One-on-one with the keeper, he didn't hesitate—he calmly slotted the ball into the far corner.
GOAL!
Tannadice Park erupted in deafening cheers. The players rushed toward Armstrong in celebration.
But Liam didn't join them just yet. Instead, he jogged toward the bench, where Peter Houston stood wide-eyed. Before Liam could say anything, Houston pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Well done, Liam! That was a perfect pass!"
Looking into Houston's bloodshot eyes, Liam saw something surprising—a genuine passion for the game. Maybe he wasn't the best tactician, but he cared.
Returning to the pitch, Liam met Armstrong's gaze.
"Told you we'd turn this around, Moon."
Armstrong grinned. "Damn right, mate."
And with that, the game continued, Dundee United back in the lead, with Liam Carter proving that he belonged on this stage.