St Mirren 1
Dundee Utd 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

The severe winter weather meant that this was only United's second league match since the end of November and the team looked a bit ring-rusty as they endeavoured to reduce the four point gap which existed between the sides who sat in third and fifth place. Hibs had jumped above United into fourth place, but United now had five games in hand over the Edniburgh club, who's under soil heating had helped them through the Arctic like conditions. United's only change from the Cup win over Brechin was Richard Gough in for Derek Murray, who was given a place on the bench.

Originally postponed back in mid-December, this was an intensely fought contest which produced few goalmouth incidents. Hamish McApline was the busier keeper in the early stages, cutting out a header from Frank McAvennie, then saving from a deflection off Maurice Malpas. Fulton was booked for a foul on Davie Dodds, and the striker was also booked for retaliation as the game became scappy. McAvennie missed a good chance for the home side and Alex Beckett cleared off the line following an Eamonn Bannon header at the other end.

Two minutes after the interval, Fulton presented Paul Sturrock with a chance when he failed to clear, but the Scotland striker shot straight at Billy Thomson. Beckett was booked for dissent on the hour mark as the chances decreased. The teams were deadlocked as the game entered the final minutes and a draw looked the likely outcome. But then Saints struck. John McCormack's free-kick caused confusion in the Tannadice defensive ranks and substitute Lex Richardson poked home what proved to be the winner with just eight minutes remaining.

St Mirren moved up to second place in the Premier League table, and United dropped to sixth with Aberdeen gaining a point at Firhill.