St Johnstone 1 – 2 Dundee Utd

Sam Dalby scored his ninth objective in 11 video games to earn a 2-1 victory at St Johnstone and propel Dundee United to fourth within the Scottish Premiership.

The hosts took the lead simply earlier than half-time due to Makenzie Kirk’s sixth objective of the season.

United deservedly equalized by former St Johnstone winger Glenn Middleton after 51 minutes and have been answerable for the sport thereafter.

Dalby’s header on the hour was the least Jim Goodwin’s facet deserved from their dominance.

The Saints provided little in response till visiting captain Declan Gallagher was despatched off three minutes from time and Simo Valakari’s facet remained firmly on the foot of the desk after a thirteenth league defeat.

Each groups loved durations of dominance throughout an error-riddled first half. Jack Sanders and Benji Kimpioka delivered poor headed efforts and Graham Carey’s 25-yard free-kick dipped too late to bother the objective.

United goalkeeper Jack Walton got here into motion after 28 minutes, racing well in the direction of his close to submit to disclaim Kirk.

An important goal-line block from Jason Holt prevented Ryan Pressure from breaking the impasse for United after 35 minutes.

The primary half appeared headed for a stalemate till an outstanding one-two down the left between Kirk and Kimpioka.

The previous Hearts striker collected the ball again together with his again to objective and took benefit of the truth that Kevin Holt was sitting a meter away from him.

The end was all Saints achieved, save for the short enchancment within the outlook as Kirk headed a low right-footed shot into the underside nook.

Holt’s well-timed lunge prevented Kirk from scoring once more, sending a stoppage-time effort over the crossbar.

The Saints threatened first within the second half with Drey Wright, 20 yards out, forcing Walton to make a superb save to his left.

After that, it was one-way visitors. Middleton escaped a problem from Sven Sprangler and encountered no additional resistance as he approached from the left.

His fierce 22-yard drive beat Josh Rae and went in from his proper submit.

The Saints floundered beneath fixed stress; Rae saved from Kai Fotheringham on the close to submit however that solely delayed the inevitable till the hour mark.

A goalless ball out of protection from David Keltjens gave Vicko Sevelj the chance to identify Dalby’s penalty spot.

The in-form striker beat Sanders to the ball and powered dwelling a header from eight yards.

Valakari referred to as Adama Sidibeh and Nicky Clark from the bench. Nevertheless, Saints have been unable to create an opportunity towards 11 males.

Dalby missed a superb probability after 78 minutes as the house protection continued to look weak.

Gallagher’s straight crimson to Aaron Essel’s ankle studs gave the Saints a glimmer of hope late.

However that was erased from Walton’s fingertips after Sanders met a Matt Smith cross with a leaping header.

What’s happening in the Scottish Premiership?