Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
After January feels justified
But it’s not the end of the world. I’m OK.”
However, the “over-zealous” – to quote United boss Tam Courts – did nothing to dampen the sense of achievement.
Watt, who joined the club from Motherwell in January, helped the Tangerines seal fourth spot in the Premiership for the first time since 2013-14.
They will enter the Europa Conference League at the third qualifying round stage; a return to continental competition after a decade.
“It’s a brilliant end to the season,” added Watt.
“It’s mission accomplished.
“When I signed, I thought – realistically – finishing fourth was the best we could do. We’ve done that.
“This has to be the benchmark.” Kick-off in Dingwall was delayed due to the avalanche of pyro and ticker tape which greeted the United players taking to the field.
When referee Nick Walsh finally received the green light to start the contest, the visitors had a job to do: better Motherwell’s result at Celtic Park and pinch fourth.
Archie Meekison, a standout in United’s last three matches, flashed a dangerous drive narrowly wide following a fine pass by Ross Graham.
The 20-year-old would come even closer later in the half, rattling the base of the post following a fine surge through the heart of the County defence. A player with a big future.
Meanwhile, Blair Spittal seemed on a mission to torment his erstwhile employers.
The waspish playmaker had three pops at goal during a busy first period, with one powerful low drive zipping inches past Benji Siegrist’s left-hand post.
It remains to be seen whether United can tempt Manchester United loan star Dylan Levitt back to Tannadice next term.
However, he should have marked his farewell – for now – with a goal in the second period, scuffing a shot wide following a kind ricochet in the box.
With Celtic hammering Motherwell in Glasgow, United knew avoiding defeat in Dingwall would be enough to usurp the Steelmen.
But it would be the Staggies who struck first.
Spittal found his range, collecting the ball on the edge of the box a curling a sumptuous shot past Siegrist.
Chasing a leveller, Kieran Freeman almost obliged in bizarre fashion, striking the post with a wayward cross.
But County’s lead proved fleeting. Ilmari Niskanen was brought down by Paton in the box, allowing Nicky Clark – invariably clinical from the spot – to coolly slot home the resulting penalty.
McDonald almost slammed home a sensational goal from 30 yards, while Watt saw a header cleared off the line.
But the winner did eventually come after 89 minutes. Freeman produced a perfect low cross for Clark to slot home from close-range – sparking a pitch invasion.
United fans also spilled onto the field at full-time but were eventually able to acclaim their heroes for a final time this term.