United went in front in 34 minutes when Grant Smith flighted a free kick to the back post for Lee Wilkie to head home.
Two minutes from half time the same combination almost grabbed a second, but Wilkie's powerful header was kept out by the arm of a Killie defender. Smith's resultant penalty kick was well saved by the home keeper.
The victory was sealed 20 minutes from the end, but only after McLean had made brilliant stop to thwart an equaliser. United raced to the other end and Smith's cross was headed home by Samuel.
United went on to dominate the game with Paterson hitting the bar and Lee Wilkie striding up the park in the final minute only to be denied.
This was a good all round performance with impressive displays in particular from McLean, Proctor, Wilkie, Smith and Goodwillie.
Line up: McLean; Proctor, Wilkie, Gardiner, Easton; Samuel, Andreoni., Burnett, Paterson, Smith; Goodwillie.
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full match report by
Peter Rundo.