Breaking News: Positive signs despite late lapse.

The jury was out on Jim Goodwin’s rebuilt United side after they scraped into the League Cup last 16 as one of the best runners-up following an opening defeat by League 1 champions Falkirk.

Nevertheless, they scored 18 goals in the following three victories and their summer signings continue to impress.

Goodwin’s sojourn into the Eastern European transfer market appears to have unearthed some gems, while Dutch-born striker Van der Sande gave hints of being another good addition.

However, 20-year-old wide man Thomson, who spent last season on loan to Montrose, showed there is local emerging talent there too as this United look to have improved on the version that ground their way to the Championship title last season.

Defensively, though, there remains work to be done.