Mixu Paatelainen praised his Dundee United players for picking up the first win of his managerial reign.
They Tangerines beat Ross County 1-0 thanks to Billy Mckay’s 81st-minute penalty.
It was a great response from the Tannadice team after losing 5-0 away to Celtic the previous Sunday to leave them bottom of the Premiership.
They showed a lot more more fight with this home victory which moves them to within two points of second-bottom Partick Thistle.
Paatelainen said: “I can’t fault anyone – it was great.
“The boys have it. There’s no question about that and I’ve told them it.
“We got a reaction and they proved they have the fighting spirit.
“The standard is set now when it comes to fighting spirit and that has to be there every week now.
“It wasn’t a great footballing performance, but we’re delighted to get a win.
“You always knew it would be a battle against Ross County because they are a good team.
“In the weeks ahead, of course we want to improve our passing and improve our play.
“But thankfully today we did enough.
“We won’t get carried away. It’s one victory but we’re delighted with the three points.”
Ross County manager Jim McIntyre felt the game was heading for a draw until United struck late on.
McIntyre said: “There was plenty of blood and thunder but I don’t think either side showed great quality.
“It is frustrating to lose as I didn’t see them scoring although I didn’t see us scoring either and the match had 0-0 written all over it.
“To lose due to the loss of a penalty is sore but it looked a foul from where I was standing.
“There was no reaction to the League Cup game in midweek. We finished the game strongly with attempts on goal and lots of positive play.
“The fitness levels were good but losing our captain wasn’t ideal. He has suffered a head knock which isn’t ideal but thankfully he is fine.
“Losing him when we did meant we couldn’t put on another attacking player later in the game and it was tough day for us defensively.
“We also lost Jamie Reckord before the game as he felt his hamstring was tight during the warm-up and we didn’t want to risk him.”