In the stunning sunshine and blue sky that enveloped Tannadice Park this afternon, United turned in a performance that sent the Tangerine support home believing that it really was a beautiful Sunday. Goals from Tassos Venetis and Derek Lilley provided the foundation for a 2-1 win that keeps United not only hot on the heels of Dundee, but also places them in reach of seventh placed Kilmarnock.
Having played Hibs at the same venue fifteen days ago in a 1-2 reverse, United's previous competitive match, Alex Smith made two changes from the starting line-up that day with Derek Lilley returning and young Stephen O'Donnell playing from the start.
In a first half that matched the leisurely sunshine, Tassos Venetis hit a superb shot on the volley from 20 metres to put United ahead seconds from the interval. When Derek Lilley put United two up with some twenty five minutes left, the home support expected a reasonably pressure-free run into the end of the game. O'Connor, however, put paid to such a relaxed last quarter of an hour when he netted to bring the Easter Road side back into the match.
United held on to the three points despite a last minute penalty claim turned down by Referee Tom Brown and the Tangerines moved back to within two points of city rivals Dundee with four matches remaining of this SPL campaign.
United: Gallacher, Lauchlan (c), Easton, Miller, Lilley, Aljofree, Venetis, Thompson, McCracken, Duff, O'Donnell.
Subs: Jarvie, Paterson, Winters, McConalogue, Carson.
Attendance: 5,417
FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW IN THE RESULTS/FIXTURES SECTION.