Will Ferry was the home hero as Dundee United achieved a crucial derby double as they beat Dundee 3-0 at Tannadice.
The wing-back scored in both halves and assisted on Ryan Strain’s third goal.
Dundee had won the previous two derbies at the home of their city rivals but were a much better second this time around.
The result leaves United still seventh in the Premiership standings, while Dundee are five points ahead of Kilmarnock in the relegation play-off places.
The Terrors had a golden opportunity to take the lead after just three minutes when Zac Sapsford headed through on goal after a mistake by Yan Dhanda, but the Australian striker’s shot was easily saved by goalkeeper Jon McCracken.
The visitors went into a dangerous position but when the ball finally fell to centre-back Luke Graham he was wide of the target.
Instead, it was the hosts who attempted to break through in the 14th minute of the first half. Ferry teed up Sapsford inside the Dundee box and his tame trundler deflected off Graham and cannoned on Ferry, the ball hitting the post and rolling into the net.
The visitors came close to an equalizer when Dhanda sent a cross into the box towards Graham whose volley all the way to the vital goal line clearing Iurie Iovu’s header.
The pendulum swung in United’s direction again in the 24th minute when Max Watters found Neil Farrugia with a cross-field pass. The winger stepped in and fired a low shot that McCracken cleared after deflecting the ball inside the post.
Dundee thought they had equalized in the 35th minute when Westley headed home from close range, but the away support’s celebrations were cut short when referee Matthew MacDermid was called on the VAR monitor after a Billy Koumetio handball had the goal disallowed.
Deep into extra time, Dundee captain Ethan Hamilton tried his luck with a long-range shot that was saved by goalkeeper Dave Richards.
The second half started quietly with both teams struggling to create clear chances.
However, United took complete control of the game with two quick goals. In the 70th minute, Ferry fired a low shot from the edge of the Dundee box that went inside the post and into the back of the net.
Just two minutes later the Terrors made it three goals when Ferry sent in a wonderful cross from the left and Strain headed it past a helpless McCracken.
There was no going back for Dundee as the home fans celebrated the win and earning city bragging rights at the final whistle.
Goodwin likes what he sees at Ferry.
Jim Goodwin heaped praise on home hero Will Ferry’s derby masterclass as Dundee United secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Dundee.
Goodwin was delighted with Ferry’s performance and admitted that what happened in the previous Dens derby when the Terrors threw away a two-goal lead in stoppage time to draw the game acted as a big motivating factor this time around.
Goodwin said: “We are really happy with the end result. We thought the performance was really solid from start to finish.
“There’s a bit of luck with the first goal. I don’t know if Will Perry knew much about it, but we’ll take it.”
“I’m happy for Will. I think he started the season a little slow, but then he grew up. He got better and better as the season went on.”
“Of course he will attract the attention of several other clubs. Fortunately, we still have him under contract. I think we are in a very good position as a club.”
And Goodwin insisted his side had a point to prove after the last derby.
He added: “Yes, I’m really, really happy. I think it shows the character of the dressing room.
“A lot of people told me in the build-up to the midweek game that it was more important for Dundee than Dundee United because we have nothing to play for and they do.
“But that’s not the culture we’re trying to create here. Over the last three years we’ve been stressing to our players the importance of every game.”
Dundee manager Stephen Pressley admitted the derby defeat was a tough one to endure but admitted United were a team worthy of winning. But Dundee have promised a big response against St Mirren at home next week as they still need to secure William Hill Premiership safety.
Pressley said: “Was it a bitter game? It was. I thought it was pretty even, especially in the first half. I didn’t think there were any problems between the two sides, but in the second half there was no progress whatsoever.”
“In the end Dundee United were clearly worthy winners.”
Pressley added: “The real message is we have to respond. We are hurting.
“It always hurts to lose a derby and lose 3-0 in a derby.”
