Dundee Utd3–2St Mirren

Prior to this Scottish Cup "rehearsal" against St Mirren, United had only picked up one point in their last three matches, dropping five points behind league leaders Celtic. Already without Eamonn Bannon who had picked up a leg strain, United also ruled out international striker Paul Sturrock due to an overnight virus. His place was taken by youngster John Clark, a prolific scorer in the reserves who was making his starting eleven debut. Derek Stark, Billy Kirkwood, Ralph Milne and Maurice Malpas also came in, with Iain Phillip, Ian Britton and John Reilly making way.

United took the lead in fine style in ten minutes. An interchange between Narey and Gough allowed Holt to send a fine ball to Dodds. His knock down was brilliantly lifted over Billy Thomson by Billy Kirkwood. Minutes later, Clark almost made a a dream start, but his header was well held by Thomson. Davie Dodds netted number two for United when he side-footed a Kirkwood cutback past Thomson in the 17th minute. Within a minute United grabbed a third, and it was Davie Dodds once more, his touch being deflected into the net. Clark was causing all sorts of problems in the Saints defence, twice going close with headers, but it was St Mirren who scored just before the break. After McAlpine failed to reach a Richardson corner, Frank McDougall volleyed in off the post with the last kick of the half.

A second-half fade out by United almost cost a point with Doug Somner scoring Saints second a couple of minutes from time up, but United finished with a much needed victory, keeping them within touching distance of Celtic and Aberdeen.