Comeback puts more pressure on other teams

Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson praised his players for storming back to win 2-1 at Firhill, writes Ian Roache.

A goal from substitute Peter Pawlett on 73 minutes secured the three points that keep them out in front in the Championship.

United had been behind to a header from Thistle’s Steven Saunders in the first half but levelled through star striker Lawrence Shankland on 55 minutes.

Neilson said: “It has been a while since we have gone behind and come back and won a game so that’s pleasing.

“We looked pretty much in control towards the end, I thought.

“I thought we started really well and had chances but we just lost a really bad goal.

“We didn’t press the ball well enough.

“We were a wee bit jaggy for the next 15 minutes but settled down by half-time.

“I thought in the second half we passed the ball better.

“We went through the midfield more and opened the game up.

“I thought we answered a lot of questions with this result.

“There will be teams watching that seeing us come back and it puts pressure on them for their matches.”

Neilson was particularly happy for goal hero Pawlett, who had suffered towards the end of last season and over the summer with a knee problem.

The manager showed faith in him and he was repaid handsomely.

Neilson said: “I was especially pleased for Peter.

“He needed injections in a really bad knee injury for the play-offs.

“We hoped it would clear up and that he would come back OK for preseason but we have had to take our time with him.

“To see him grab the winner was great. He is a good player.”

Robbie Neilson was delighted with second-half performance.