Dundee United 0 St Johnstone 2

United went down to a second successive league defeat after a desperately disappointing day at Tannadice. By Gareth Scott Two first half goals from O'Halloran were enough to give the Perth side the three points and in truth the result could have been worse for United. Jackie McNamara made a big call for the visit of St Johnstone, replacing Rado Cierzniak with his fellow Pole Michal Szromnik who made his first team debut for the club. There were three other changes from the defeat at Killie with Fojut, Paton and Butcher returning. Erskine and Telfer dropped to the bench with the injured Callum Morris missing out completely. Former United favourite Danny Swanson started on the bench for the visitors. First Half United had an early effort from Anier that went wide of target however they fell behind with ten minutes on the clock. Szromnik made a tremendous save from a 20 yard Wotherspoon shot however from the resulting corner the ball fell to O'Halloran and his shot dipped just in front of the United keeper and the ball slipped through his hands to give the visitors the lead. United went close on the half hour mark when a long throw from Dixon landed at the feet of Ciftci and he shot but the ball was deflected wide of target. Two minutes later Ciftci went close again, this time seeing a back post shot blocked by Easton. Ciftci then tried his luck again after being set up by Rankin but on this occasion he dragged his shot wide of target. Two minutes before the break United were caught out when a fine cross from MacKay found the unmarked O'Halloran and he slammed home his and Saints second goal of the afternoon. Just before the break the visitors looked dangerous again when Wotherspoon beat two United defenders in the penalty area however the ball was eventually cleared. Second Half Despite United making two changes 12 minutes after the break it was the visitors who continued to look the more dangerous side. Just after the hour mark Croft sent in a free kick that found MacLean at the back post but fortunately for United he shot just wide. Two minutes later Croft again caused problems. A low cross from the right came off McGowan but Szromnik was on hand to gather the ball. United were offering very little going forward but they  did go fairly close when a surging run from Ciftci ended with a shot that was well saved by Mannus. Connolly and Ciftci then combined to set up Dixon who screwed his left foot shot wide of target. The game petered out with very little happening in an attacking sense and in the end the visitors ran out worthy winners. Man of the match - on a day when very few players looked in the mood, Paul Dixon put in a solid shift and at times in the match showed good movement going forward. Teams: United: Szromnik, McGowan, Dillon, Fojut, Dixon, Paton, Rankin (Spittal 57), Butcher (Telfer 57), Ciftci, Dow, Anier (Connolly 69) Subs : Cierzniak, Erskine, Muirhead, Spark Saints: Mannus, MacKay, Lappin (Croft 46), Wright, Anderson, Millar, MacLean, Wotherspoon, Easton, Kane (Miller 72), O'Halloran Subs : Banks, Scobbie, Swanson, McFadden, Brown Referee : William Collum Attendance : 7623