Dundee Utd1–0St Mirren

Scott Crabbe made way for Brian Welsh in the United line, whilst Billy McKinlay was back from international duty to replace Grant Johnson in midfield. And it was the presence of the two returnee's which almost brought an opening goal. The game was only ten minutes old when Brian Welsh harried a Saints defender into an error. Billy McKinlay capitalised by picking up the ball as it ran loose and drove into the box, but his shot went narrowly past the far post.

Although Saints had made a sprightly start, United soon dominated but despite a lot of neat football neither goalkeeper was troubled during an opening forty-five minutes which flaHered to deceive.

By contrast, the second half started in explosive fashion during which period the outcome of the game was to be decided courtesy of a bizarre own goal. Brian Welsh took up position on the left and his curling cross evaded Combe and landed at the feet of Jamie Fullarton. The under 21 internationalist wasn't under any great pressure, but panicked and sent his clearance bulletting off the underside of the bar and over the line for what proved to be the winner.

Two minutes later Robbie Winters crashed in a shot from a tight angle which bounced off Combe's chest, but Saints managed to scramble the ball away to safety.

Clouding United's victory, however, was the early departure of Dave Bowman who had to go off after sustaining a depressed fracture of his right-cheekbone after an accidental clash with Boyd. He was replaced by Scott Crabbe who almost scored with his first touch from Robbie Winters cross and Andy McLaren also missed a great chance as the ball broke back to him. In the end there weren't too many anxious moments as United ran deserved if narrow winners.