Durnan’s fluke equaliser rescues United to keep Mckinnon’s side clinging on to second spot

Dundee United came within seven minutes of losing second place in the Championship to visitors Morton. However, Mark Durnan scored a lucky goal to secure a 1-1 draw and keep the Tannadice men as the closest challengers to Hibs.

Lee Kilday ran in to head home a Ross Forbes corner six minutes from the break and the Greenock side looked good for the three points until seven minutes from time.

A Scott Fraser corner put the visiting defence under pressure, but Ricki Lamie looked to have cleared the danger until the ball struck Durnan and flew past startled goalkeeper Derek Gaston.

United manager Ray Mckinnon said: “We got a piece of luck but the players deserved that for sticking at things.”

Morton manager Jim Duffy said: “I am disappointed at not leaving with the three points and that shows you how far this group has come.”

Falkirk’s 2-2 draw with Dumbarton featured memorable goals, but it meant that the Bairns also missed out on second spot.

Luke Leahy volleyed Peter Houston’s side ahead in fine style eight minutes from the break, but Lewis Vaughan replied for the Sons within a minute with an equally fine strike.

Andy Stirling kept the goal standard high when he cut in from the wing and fired Dumbarton in front on 51 minutes before Nathan Austin hit his first Championship goal to level eight minutes later.

Queen of the South moved closer to the play-offs thanks to their 2-1 win over Raith Rovers at Palmerston. John Rankin drilled the Doonhamers in front after seven minutes and Derek Lyle tapped in to double their lead before half time.

Jean-yves M’voto pulled a goal back with half an hour left with a header, but the Kirkcaldy men could not find a second and remain in eighth place.

Bottom side St Mirren have set Ayr United nerves jangling after their 2-0 success over the Honest Men at Somerset Park.

The Paisley side, having won recently in the Scottish Cup and the Irn-bru Cup, triumphed in the Championship for the first time in more than two months.

John Sutton opened the scoring two minutes after half-time when he was sent through on goal by Stevie Mallan and he took the ball past advancing goalkeeper Greg Fleming before shooting home from a tight angle.

Lewis Morgan secured the win eight minutes from time when he shot home following a lightning break.