Dundee Utd2–1Ross County

United got back to winning ways after another late goal was enough to claim all three points against Ross County. After a heavy defeat the previous week at Celtic Park, McNamara resisted the temptation to make changes. Only Stuart Armstong dropped out the side due to a knee injury and Mario Bilate stepped in. Bilate started in the striker role, allowing Nadir Çiftçi to drop in behind.

United struck the opening blow early in this game, with 19 minutes on the clock. Çiftçi was fouled out on the United left side resulting in a free-kick award in a dangerous area. Paul Paton swung in a deep bending cross towards the back post and it was Nadir Çiftçi who rose to head the ball back across goal and into the 'keeper's far corner. This was Çiftçi's first goal of the season and had United on the front foot. County were defying their bottom of the league placing and playing some good football. Cierzniak had to be alert on the half hour mark to block Cardle after a good pass from Carey. As the game edge toward half time, the home side went close again when Watson who shot just wide following a Mackay-Steven pass.

United, normally so strong shooting down toward the East Stand, were pegged back early in the second half. A great run and cross from Townsend was cleared up field by county and Carey was the man who capitalised. Picking the ball up in his own half he surged forward on the counter. A neat one-two with Cardle saw Carey get to the touchline and his dinked cross to the back post found Jake Jervis. The tall County man made no mistake from close in and levelled the game. Just like the last home game against Motherwell, United left it late to claim full points. With just four minutes remaining, substitute Chris Erskine got his second goal of the season, smashing home following a failed punched clearance from County 'keeper Reguero. County did have their chances in this one but over the piece United ran out deserved winners and claim their third win of the season.

Manager's Comment:
"The scoreline was a bit embarrassing last week, but it was a good way to bounce back today, in a game where it could have gone against us. We kept chipping away. I think we had some great attempts at goal without being totally creative, but I was confident we would get the winner."

Fan's Comment:
"It was important to get points on the board again after the trouncing at Parkhead the previous week. It wasn't pretty at times but pleasing to see us bounce back. To take 9 points from 12 at the start of this season is excellent. Most would have settled for that prior to the league start."

Match Photos courtesy of Riki Grauer - More photos available at:
Dundee United Official Flickr Page