Dundee Utd1–2St Johnstone

Last week's goalscorer Jim Paterson was missing for United after suffering a training ground injury during the week. Still without a win this season it was another important home match against their Tayside rivals.

After an early scare when Darren Dods failed to connect properly with a header in 3 minutes the hosts asserted some pressure and came close at the other end. Alex Mathie struck the post with a close range header after Steven Thompson had set up the chance. The early season trend of losing early goals however struck again as the Tangerines went behind in the 12th minute. Tommy Lovenkgrands fed Graeme Jones who ran through the heart of the defence, easily slotting past Alan Combe. It was still end to end stuff as United looked to respond whilst leaving themselves open to chances at the back. Unfortunately for the hosts their eagerness to get forward led to the sucker punch from St Johnstone on 24 minutes. Kiegan Parker shrugged off a challenge from David McCracken inside the area before shooting home from around 12 yards. Alex Mathie had an opportunity to reduce the deficit in 33 minutes, but after patient build-up play from United he could only skim a header out for a goal kick following a Jason De Vos cross. Despite these flurries in front of goal it was the visitors who were attacking at will and in the end United were happy to get to half time and re group without conceding further.

United couldn't create much in the early part of the second period and instead had to defend a succession of St Johnstone corners. In 63 minutes however hope was restored as the home side reduced the deficit. The ball broke to David Hannah at the edge of the box who struck a first time shot into a crowded penalty box. Hasney Aljofree was alert and directed the ball past Alan Main from close in. This hope was almost extinguished straight away when a minute later St Johnstone rattled a shot off the underside of the crossbar. United pushed forward again and nearly grabbed an equaliser 5 minutes from time when Aljofree flighted in a ball to the back post. Neil Heaney stretched but failed to reach the ball and the chance was lost. It was to prove as close as they could come to earning a point as the wait for a first win continued.