Two off but Tangerines take derby honours

Two players were sent-off as Dundee United moved back to the top of the table following a 3-0 victory over city rivals Dundee at Tannadice.

Johnny Russell scored twice during the first-half to add to Gavin Gunning's opener but was sent-off on 72 minutes after a clash with Dundee's Stephen O'Donnell, who was also dismissed.

However, United comfortably won the first competitive derby in seven years in front of a thirteen thousand plus attendance.

Gary Mackay-Steven missed out for the hosts through injury but his replacement, Michael Gardyne, had an early shot blocked while Nicky Riley was twice denied by Radoslaw Cierzniak at the other end.

The tangerine side of the city was smiling as early as fourteen minutes, however, when Rab Douglas misjudged Willo Flood's free-kick and Gunning headed in at the far post.

That lead was doubled on 35 minutes after Russell collected from skipper Jon Daly and his low shot diverted off Davide Grassi and into the net.

The Dark Blues were then demanding a penalty for Richie Ryan's challenge on Riley, but it was their opponents going further ahead after breaking from the free-kick for Russell to hammer into the top corner.

Goalkeeper Douglas rescued his side twice following the break from both Ryan and Daly, while opposite number Cierzniak had to keep out Ryan Conroy before Russell was adjudged to have retaliated to O'Donnell's late challenge and both were dismissed.

Dundee United: Cierzniak, Watson, Dillon, Gunning (McLean 79), Douglas, Flood, Rankin, Ryan, Russell, Daly, Gardyne (Armstrong 67)

subs (unused): Banks, Millar, Robertson, Dow, Hilson

Goals: Gunning (14), Russell (35, 38)

Dundee: Douglas, Irvine, Lockwood, Benedictus, Grassi, O'Donnell, Davidson, Riley (Webster 80), Conroy, Baird (Stewart 57), McAlister (Boyle 65)

subs (unused): Baird, McGregor, Gallagher, Milne

Ref: Murray

Att: 13,538

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