United and Saints take point apiece

DUNDEE UNITED 1 ST JOHNSTONE 1

Honours were even in yesterday afternoon’s Tayside derby at St Andrews University, though for United it was a tale of missed chances.

The Perth side took the lead after 25 minutes when an error by Brad Smith let in George Hunter, who drilled home from 10 yards.

Ten minutes later, Smith set up Louis Appere who looked certain to score but he dragged his effort just wide of the post. Right on the interval, Smith fired straight at the keeper as another chance went begging.

United defender Sean Dillon, on his comeback after six weeks on the sidelines, came off at half-time, but purely as a precaution.

On 63 minutes, United levelled when Graham Taylor played in Dom McMeekin and although Saints keeper Ben McKenzie parried his effort, Jordan Garden knocked home the rebound.

Logan Chalmers was denied by McKenzie when he was through on the keeper after 79 minutes and was thwarted again three minutes from the end, while follow up efforts from Appere and Taylor were both blocked.

Long, Ritchie, Reekie, Dillon (Davidson 46), Hornby, Chalmers, B Smith (Taylor 46), Dailly, McMeekin (Inglis 68), Appere, Garden. Subs not used: Allan, Stark.

Dundee United:

Declan McManus hopes he is hitting form at just the right time as he bids to help Raith Rovers cling to their Championship status in this afternoon’s crucial clash with St Mirren.

The former Aberdeen striker netted his first league goal since October in Wednesday night’s last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Hibs at Easter Road.

The 22-year-old has endured a difficult season on loan from Fleetwood and has been the target of the Stark’s Park boo boys on occasions as the Kirkcaldy men have battled to avoid the drop.

But he is hopeful the belief restored by breaking his six-month league goal drought – and an improved team display after the break against Hibs – can help lead Rovers to safety with a win today.

He said: “That’s probably the first time that Raith Rovers fans have seen me how I know I can play.

“That’s probably due to getting a goal and playing with that bit of confidence again.

“It’s been building. I’ve been feeling better recently with the new manager, and hopefully I can take that into Saturday.

“For me, football is 90% confidence. When I’m confident I know how well I can play and how much I can affect a game.