Dundee Utd1–0Partick Th

Gary Mackay-Steven replaced Ryan Dow and Townsend returned to the bench as United looked to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at Rugby Park. After a lack lustre Friday night defeat to Killie, United hoped home advantage would help them get back on track with a victory over Thistle.

Both teams started brightly and it was Erskine who was first threaten. A good run resulted in a shot from 20 yards which just scraped wide of the post. After Stuart Armstrong was disposed, Doolan made space to curl a shot that forced the United 'keeper into a fine diving save. Cierzniak was forced to make a number of saves in the first half as Partick shaded it. Ciftci came close when his left foot shot hit the side netting, but the striker looked a frustrated figure up front.

Thistle did most of the attacking in the early stages of the second half and after 57 minutes Elliott crossed for Lawless on the edge of the box, but his shot shot was saved by Cierzniak. The visitors then hit the woodwork on 65 minutes. Elliott cut in from the left before curling a right-foot shot square onto the bar with Cierzniak beaten. However, on 83 minutes United stole all three the points. Sean Dillon's pass released Ciftci, who progressed towards goal. Just as he was about to shoot, Thistle defender Seaborne brought him down, and Nadir Çiftçi dusted himself down to send the penalty past Jags keeper Fox.

Manager's Comment:
"I said before the game what I was expecting from their work-rate and desire to get the ball back. We did that, but we didn't play our best - but crucially, we got the three points."

Fan's Comment:
"This season to date, Nadir has been somewhat short of his performances of last season. However, it is hard to leave him out of the team as he is always capable of producing a magic moment to win a game as he did today."

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