Seven up for United

Dundee United won for the first time in seven league games courtesy of a second-half Johnny Russell penalty at St Mirren.

Striker Russell scored from twelve-yards after Steven Thompson had been penalised for handball with just over twenty minutes remaining.

The visitors had moments earlier introduced latest signing Rudi Skacel as a 65th minute substitute following his arrival at the club earlier this week.

Buddies goalkeeper Craig Samson spilled an early attempt from Mark Millar before Lee Mair headed narrowly wide in reply. Skipper Jim Goodwin was also wayward from distance - something that the visitors were also being largely restricted to.

The opening half had been far from impressive but the restart immediately suggested better when United defender Gavin Gunning swiftly nodded a Willo Flood free-kick onto the crossbar.

But it needed a smothering save from Radoslaw Cierzniak to keep out Lewis Guy at the other end before Russell struck home a 69th minute spot-kick after Thompson was ruled to have handled.

The Tangerines were then forced to defend well to keep that lead and Goodwin volleyed straight at Cierzniak as their opponents continued to chase an equaliser during the later stages.

St Mirren: Samson, van Zanten, Dummett, Mair, McAusland, Goodwin, Imrie (Reilly 85), Robertson (Teale 80), Carey, Thompson, Guy (Parkin 72)

subs (unused): Smith, Barron, McGinn

Dundee United: Cierzniak, Dillon, Gunning, Daly, Watson, Flood, Rankin, Millar (Ryan 65), Armstrong (Dow 81), Russell, Gardyne (Skacel 65)

subs (unused): Banks, Douglas, McLean, Hilson

Goals: Russell (pen 69)

Ref: Norris

Att: 4,333

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