Dundee United’s incredible unbeaten run has extended to 14 games after this win over St Mirren at Tannadice.
The Buddies took the lead only to be pegged back immediately before Simon Murray scored what proved to be the winner with the result taking United to the top of the Championship table.
Tangerines boss Ray McKinnon made three changes from the team that drew at Raith last week with Paul Dixon replacing youngster Jamie Robson, Sean Dillon filling in for the suspended Lewis Toshney and Murray being drafted in for Tope Obadeyi.
The Buddies were forced to make an early change in the 19th minute after Gary McKenzie was injured in an accidental clash of heads with the home side’s Mark Durnan.
After treatment, the groggy McKenzie was led from the field to be replaced by Jack Baird.
Six minutes later, Durnan also had to call it quits with Coll Donaldson coming on to take his place in defence.
However, it was quickly a disaster for Donaldson in the 27th minute. Dixon sent a throw-in towards him inside the United box but Donaldson miskicked his attempted clearance with St Mirren’s John Sutton being handed a gift-wrapped early Christmas present and he calmly shot past home keeper Cammy Bell.
The Tangerines made an instant response just a minute later when Tony Andreu sent a ball in from the left all the way through to Scott Fraser at the back post and he made no mistake drilling low past Scott Gallacher.
United then had a big let-off when the Buddies’ Jason Naismith latched on to a Kyle McAllister ball from the right but his volley hit Bell’s post.
Then in the 45th minute, United edged in front when Fraser flighted a tempting free-kick in from the right with Murray sending a glancing header past Gallacher.
Just before the hour mark, United had a great chance to make it three from a close-range Murray header but Gallacher pulled off a fine diving save to deny the striker.
McKinnon’s men went close again when Charlie Telfer flicked on a Fraser free-kick towards Donaldson with the defender heading just inches wide.
However, United saw out the game to secure a vital three points.
For full report, reaction and analysis, see Monday’s Courier.