Dundee Utd 5
St Mirren 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

The disappointment of Saturday's semi-final exit was quickly dispelled as we stepped up our League challenge, in which St Mirren collected as many bookings as goals In their goals against column.

We got off to a great start thanks to a superb strike by Paul Sturrock. John Holt found Paul out on the right and the striker cut inside, beat two men on the edge of the box before firing in an unstoppable left-foot shot which entered the net via the underside of the bar. Six minutes later, Paul Sturrock spurned a golden opportunity to increase our lead. Paul Hegarty was up-ended by his opposite number Godfrey, but Paul struck the spot-kick over the bar. The remainder of the first half produced few further goalmouth incidents though Richard Gough almost got a second just before the interval.

Only five minutes into the second half Eamonn Bannon sent a long ball to Paul Sturrock, who cut to the bye-line, before his cut-back was turned in by Davie Dodds despite the presence of two Saint defenders. Gradually United stepped up the pace until Saints were eventually over-run by three late goals. Stuart Beedie was the inspiration for the third when he quickly transferred the ball to an unmarked Davie Dodds who beat a defender, when young Kevin Gallacher stepped in to knock the ball home.

The young winger played a part in the fourth, supplying the return pass to Paul Hegarty whose cross was converted by Davie Dodds at the second attempt despite some desperate defending by Tommy Wilson. A couple of minutes later the route was completed with another quality goal. Paul Sturrock's corner from the right was headed on by Paul Hegarty and the ball fell to the feet of Richard Gough who promptly lashed the ball into the net from 12 yards.