Paul McMullan (centre) is frustrated after missing from the spot.
Dundee United boss Csaba Laszlo told his players that the promotion “war” is still there to be won after they fell five points behind St Mirren.
The Buddies stretched their lead at the top of the Championship table going into the new year thanks to a 2-0 win in Paisley last night, courtesy of a Lewis Morgan double in the second half.
Laszlo, who watched Paul McMullan miss an early penalty for United, said: “We have lost the battle but the war is still on.
“The most important thing is to win the war.
“OK, it is painful that you lose to the leaders but I hope my players will now respond,” added Laszlo, who lost Willo Flood (dead leg) and Scott Fraser (foot) to injury.
“We still have St Mirren to play at home and have a game in hand against Queen of the South. You still have to win those games, of course, but you need to do that if you want to be successful.”
