Dundee Utd0–0St Johnstone

Paul Sturrock returned to Tannadice for the first time since leaving to manage Saints and on a day of double sentiment with the Shed accommodating standing fans for the last time. The United line-up showed several changes from the one which lost to Kilmarnock in midweek. Back came Jim Mclnally and Craig Brewster from injury, whilst Brian Welsh dropped out because of a knee injury. Christian Dailly stepped back into defence with Gary Bollan and Paddy Connolly being omitted.

With both sides desperate for points, tension was high and it showed. United, as they did throughout the match, had the greater share of possession. It was, however, quarter of an hour before Rhodes was tested, bringing off the first of several vital saves when he dived full length to hold a speculative 35 yarder from Gordan Petric who shortly afterwards sent in a header which skimmed over the bar. Ten minutes from the interval Rhodes made the first of two vital saves. Alex Cleland burst through to send in a low drive which rebounded off the diving Rhodes. The climax to United's best spell of the game came two minutes later as Billy McKinlay drove in from the right, evaded one tackle only to be brought down by Turner close to the bye-line. The Scottish internationalist midfielder took the kick himself, but his hard-hit spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Rhodes diving to his right at full stretch. Saints drew confidence from this let-off and Guido van de Kamp had to be alert to hold a grounder from Gary McGinnis.

Paul Cherry made a determined surge upfield before firing in a shot which provided Guide van de Kamp with his most anxious moment of the second half. Eleven minutes from the end the Saints midfielder was involved in an altercation with Jim Mclnally which led to the United player being booked and Cherry being shown a red card. However, United couldn't make their numerical superiority pay, although Jim Mclnally might have tied up the points in the very last minute when he sliced a volley past when well placed.