St Mirren 0
Dundee Utd 2
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

United gave Davie Dodds a well deserved rest for the visit to Love Street, with their leading goalscorer taking a seat on the bench and young John Reilly taking his place in the starting eleven. John Holt came in for Derek Stark, who had been doubtful with a thigh injury. Although St Mirren had been United's bogey team recently, the Tannadice side were on a high after their midweek victory at home to Werder Bremen, and the Buddies had conceded nine goals in their last two matches, and were without the influential Tony Fitzpatrick.

Winter was in evidence for the first time with Love St. snow covered. After five minutes, St Mirren nearly took the lead when Billy Stark, running on from what looked like an offside position, saw his shot deflected by Hamish McAlpine and Richard Gough was able to clear off the line. Five minutes later McAlpine saved well from a Fulton shot after an initial free-kick had been blocked. United replied with a John Holt header from a Bannon cross that was well held by Billy Thomson. The home keeper then had a busy spell, racing from his goal to clear from Sturrock, then saving a 20 yard drive from the same player. Paul Hegarty out jumped the Saints defence to meet a Ralph Milne corner, but his header came back off the bar.

United became stronger in the second half, and in the 68th minute Dodds came on for the tiring Sturrock, and two minutes later United broke the deadlock. Gough's floating cross was met by Eamonn Bannon's composed half volley which flew into the net. Davie Dodds notched up his 15th goal of the season with seven minutes to play, with a little help from Saints keeper Thomson. The Scotland internationalist collected the ball after the strikers effort, but let it slip and the ball crossed the line. With four points separating the top three sides, and Rangers home defeat to Aberdeen, there were now suggestions that the Premier League title was now a three horse race, with United and Aberdeen chasing Celtic at the top.