Jim Goodwin likes what he sees from Will Ferry in Dundee United’s derby win

Jim Goodwin heaped praise on home hero Will Ferry for his derby masterclass that helped secure Dundee United’s comfortable 3-0 win over Dundee at Tannadice.

The former Cheltenham wing-back netted in both halves and then provided an assist for Ryan Strain’s third.

Goodwin was delighted with Ferry’s performance and also admitted that what happened in the previous derby at Dens, when the Terrors threw away a two-goal lead in stoppage time to only draw the game, acted as a huge motivational factor this time round.

Goodwin said: “We’re really pleased with the end result. I thought the performance was really solid from start to finish.

“There’s a bit of good fortune in the first goal. I’m not sure Will Ferry knew a great deal about it, but we’ll take it.

“I’m delighted for Will. I think he started the season a little bit slowly and then grew into it. As the season went on, he got better and better.

“Of course, he’s going to be on the radar of a number of other clubs out there. Thankfully, we’ve still got him under contract. I think we’re in a very good position as a club.”

And Goodwin insisted his team had a point to prove after the way the last derby ended.

He added: “Yes, I’m really, really pleased. I think it shows the character within the dressing room.

“A lot of people were saying to me in the build-up to the game during the week that it matters more to Dundee than it does to Dundee United because we’ve got 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 driven home to the players the importance of every game.”

Dundee boss Steven Pressley admitted the derby defeat was tough to take but acknowledged United were worthy winners.

However, with Dundee still to secure their William Hill Premiership safety, he has promised a big response next week against St Mirren at home.

Pressley said: “Was it a bitter one to take? It was. I thought that the first half in particular was quite an even affair.

“I don’t think there was a lot between the sides, but we never got going in the second half.

“In the end, Dundee United were definitely worthy winners.”

Pressley added: “The real message is that we need to respond. We’re hurting.

“It’s always a sore one to take to lose a derby and to lose a derby 3-0.”

Dundee had a Joe Westley goal chalked off in the first half following a VAR review with Pressley admitting he had not seen the incident back.

He said: “I’ve not managed to review it. They explained at the time that it was usage of a hand, I believe, but I’ve not seen it back as yet.”