Late winner stuns United

Paul Burns struck a late winner to consign Dundee United to a 1-0 defeat against SPL newcomers Dunfermline Athletic at Tannadice.

Burns drove in a Joe Cardle cross five minutes from time to earn full points for the visitors after former United goalkeeper Paul Gallacher had earlier produced a tremendous triple save to keep out Jon Daly, Willo Flood and Scott Robertson.

Flood sent an early 30-yard drive straight at Gallacher while Barry Douglas (twice) and Daly threatened with headers. Martin Hardie was wide in reply.

But it was Gallacher blocking from Daly and in turn thwarting Flood and Robertson that kept the scoreline level before summer signing John Rankin later headed wide for the home side.

The Tangerines continued to dictate after the break and Johnny Russell hoisted over before Flood and Rankin again went close as the hosts searched for a breakthrough.

Hardie twice offered some danger at the opposite end until Burns' low drive from just inside the area proved decisive with only five minutes remaining.

Dundee United: Pernis, Dillon, Dixon, Kenneth, Douglas (Swanson 64), Gunning, Flood, Robertson, Rankin, Daly, Russell (Dow 80)

subs (unused): Banks, Watson, Armstrong, Allan, Hilson

Dunfermline Athletic: Gallacher, Thomson, McCann, Keddie, Dowie, Mason, Cardle, Hardie, Burns, Kirk (Barrowman 57), Graham

subs (unused): Smith, Potter, Young, Willis, Thomson, Buchanan

Goals: Burns (85)

Ref: O'Reilly

Att: 6,527

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