United survive Mcmullan dismissal to defeat Queens and command top spot

Dundee United had to dig deep to defeat Queen of South 2-1 at Tannadice and take control of top spot in the Championship. Ray Mckinnon’s side played for the majority of the game with only ten men, but they came up with a winner and are now the only side with a perfect two-from-two record in the division.

United took the lead on 18 minutes when Paul Mcmullan scampered down the left and picked out Scott Mcdonald who turned the ball in from a yard out.

The Doonhamers drew level seven minutes later when Callum Fordyce drilled in after the home defence had failed to clear a Stephen Dobbie corner.

Mcmullanmadethingsmore difficult for his side when he was dismissed nine minutes from the break for swinging an arm at Shaun Rooney after the Dumfries defender had pulled him back.

Despite their numerical disadvantage the hosts grabbed the next goal midway through the second half when Billy King found Scott Fraser at the edge of the box and the midfielder sent a low shot past Alan Martin. Mckinnon later praised the character in his side. He said: “We could argue the rights and wrongs of Paul’s sending off but one thing that is clear is how brave the players were. It is difficult to play for nearly an hour with ten men but they came up with a win so I am delighted.”

Queens manager Gary Naysmith said: “Dundee United have quality throughout their team but we should not be losing to ten men. We missed chances and defended poorly and that cost us.” Inverness Caledonian Thistle are in bottom