Neilson hails his United players for shrugging off the ‘negativity’
Dundee United put recent away disappointments behind them to see off Dunfermline 2-0 at Tannadice and move three points clear at the top of the Championship.
United had lost at Alloa and Queen of the South in their last two outings, without finding the net, but normal service was resumed when Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland hooked in after nine minutes.
Nicky Clark grabbed his first of the season when he cracked home a free-kick against his former club to put United well in command 18 minutes later.
The Pars tried to hit back after the break but goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist turned a Ryan Dow shot past the post and the woodwork kept out a drive from Andy Ryan.
“The players showed a lot of character to ensure that the negativity that comes along with losing a couple of games did not grow,” said United boss Robbie Neilson. “We passed the ball well and controlled the game in the first half. The second half was not as good, but it was a case of job done.”
East End Park manager Stevie Crawford said: “Losing a goal early hurt us as it allowed them to grow in confidence.”
Morton showed that their Cappielow home is a fortress once more as they defeated Inverness Caley Thistle 2-1. The Greenock side are undefeated at home this season and got off to a great start on six minutes when Bob Mchugh ran on to a Peter Grant pass and lobbed Mark Ridgers.
Inverness hit back on 27 minutes when Mitch Cutty accepted a knock-down from James Keatings and drilled into the net from 16 yards. The winner came eight minutes from time when visiting defender Coll Donaldson lost the ball and Mchugh pounced to grab his second goal of the afternoon.
Manager Dick Campbell enjoyed his first trip to Firhill in 12 years, with his Arbroath side beating Partick Thistle, the club that sacked him back in 2007, 3-1.
Luke Donnelly opened the scoring for the Red Lichties when he fired home a Bobby Linn cross, however Thistle drew level just before the hour mark when Stuart Bannigan slotted in a penalty after Ricky
Little handled. Bannigan lost his hero status on 74 minutes, though, when he fouled Donnelly and Michael Mckenna netted from the spot, with Colin Hamilton slotting in the third three minutes later.
Alloa came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Queen of the South and move two points clear of the bottom.
The Doonhamers struck twice in a minute, with Stephendobbieblastinghome on 35 minutes and Jack Hamilton adding a quick-fire header.
The Wasps stung their visitors by doing likewise, with Alan Trouten sending a low shot into the net on 64 minutes and Kevin O’hara restoring parity with a fierce drive.