Levein orders lightning start

17 April 2009 15:18
The Tannadice manager had expressed concern his team have only been hitting top form in the second half of their matches recently, although they proved his fears were unfounded with a powerful first-half display at Hamilton last weekend.[LNB]United have often left themselves playing catch-up but Levein knows from reading the statistics that teams who score first more often than not end up winning.[LNB]With their place in the top six now guaranteed, United have third-placed Hearts firmly in their sights but know they have to defeat Killie to keep their European dream going.[LNB]Levein said: "Last weekend against Hamilton, we started the game very well and that's what we're looking for again.[LNB]"In previous weeks, we had to wait until the second half to reach a level of performance.[LNB]"But, against Accies, we set the tone for the game early on and getting that early goal helped.[LNB]"At this level, it's often the case that when you take the lead, you go on to win the game.[LNB]"It's much easier to win being ahead in the game and that's what I've been telling the players this week."[LNB]Killie have been haunted by relegation worries this season after a slump sent them spinning towards the bottom end of the table.[LNB]Despite their troubles, they have beaten United twice and were responsible for ending their opponents' long unbeaten run just before Christmas.[LNB]So the Tannadice players need no warning about how dangerous Jim Jefferies' team can be.[LNB]Levein said: "On their day, Killie are a very good side.[LNB]"We've found that out to our cost this season because they have beaten us twice already.[LNB]"Like most of us, inconsistency has been a problem for them.[LNB]"Where it has cost them is that they've probably been a wee bit more inconsistent than most; that's why they're down there at the bottom end of the table.[LNB]"But there's no doubt they have good players and, after beating Falkirk last season, will want to go on and show that."[LNB]United signed James Wesolowski on loan from Leicester and Celtic's Paul Caddis in January and both have emerged as important players.[LNB]Levein targeted the pair to add depth to his squad following the loss of Willo Flood and Scott Robertson so believes their signings could prove a pivotal in his club's season.[LNB]He said: "James Wesolowski has really come on to a game for us and I think he's got a big part to play between now and the end of the season.[LNB]"When you consider he's only about 85% fit after being out with a broken ankle for a while then his performances have been very impressive.[LNB]"That's one of the reasons I think we're going to finish the season strongly - because Jimbo is improving all the time and so is Paul Caddis.[LNB]"We brought them both in during the January window and I think they've been great additions to the squad."[LNB][LNB] Dundee Utd 4/6, Draw 5/2, Kilmarnock 9/2  

Source: Team_Talk