Levein: We'll take battle down to wire

Apr 27 2008

DUNDEE UNITED boss Craig Levein insists his side won't stop fighting for European football after battling back to grab a point at Motherwell.

Lee Wilkie bagged a last-gasp equaliser to keep United in the hunt for third place and a UEFA Cup slot.

United are a point behind Mark McGhee's outfit but the Steelmen still have to play leaders Rangers twice.

Hibs are also in the hunt despite their defeat at Pittodrie yesterday and Levein thinks yesterday's point could be vital.

He said: "It feels like a really good draw because we thought we had lost it 2-1 near the end.

"The conditions were difficult but we started well. I was happy sitting in the stand then all of a sudden Motherwell scored with their first attack.

"In the end a draw was fair and I can't complain too much.

"I thought we did OK but I'm pleased with the spirit the lads have shown.

"They're a resilient bunch and have shown they won't go away in the race for third spot.

"You never know what can happen and it depends on how Motherwell and Hibs get on in their remaining games."

The United gaffer was about to sub goal hero Wilkie and go for broke at the end just before the stopper produced a dramatic leveller.

And Levein (right) was glad he didn't make the change.

He said: "My next move was to go for a 3-4-3 in desperation and I was going to take Wilkie off.

"I said to Stewart Houston: 'If he doesn't score here take him off'. But Lee got on the end of Darren Dods' flick to get the goal."