The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
United earn praise – and vital victory
DUNDEE UNITED 1 ROSS COUNTY 0: Delighted Neilson hails players and fans
Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson heaped praise on his players for holding their nerve to pass a big test by beating Ross County at Tannadice last night.
The stakes could not have been higher for the Tangerines prior to kick-off with the knowledge that a defeat would all but signal the end of their title challenge.
Instead, they reignited their promotion push with a vital victory thanks to a solitary Calum Butcher goal early in the first half.
Neilson said: “I’m delighted. It was a tough game against a strong team. The three points is massive for us. It gets us closer and puts a bit of pressure on.
“We wanted to play in their half and try to be aggressive and get the ball over the top for Paul McMullan. I think he frightened them at the start.
“This was a big test and now we have the chance to get the gap down again. First we will try and get the gap down to five by winning against Alloa at the weekend then we have Dunfermline, but they will be two tough games.
“Alloa beat us down at their place the last time we played them and we have had difficult games against Dunfermline here and down there.
“I thought the fans were great as well. There was a huge cheer at the end which was great but they were also pushing the boys through. “The supporters played a massive part in it.” Meanwhile, County co-manager Stuart Kettlewell insisted that despite the defeat his side are still very much in pole position for the title.
He said: “We have had a few knocks this season and we have picked ourselves up really well. We are going to have to do that again. That is what I have told the lads.
“We’d rather be in our position than United’s. I’m sure Robbie would tell you that himself.”