Neilson lauds spirit after United come from behind to win and bolster place at the top

Championship leaders Dundee United fell behind to Alloa but Tannadice remains a fortress after Robbie Neilson’s side hit back to earn a 2-1 win.

The Wasps, who had defeated United earlier this season, stung their hosts after 12 minutes when a Scott Taggart cross was helped into the net by home defender Mark Reynolds.

The leveller arrived in firsthalf injury time through Nicky Clark’s snapshot and ten minutes into the second half Louis Appere swept in a cross to make it eight wins from eight home games.

Manager Neilson said: “We had to handle a bit of adversity and we did. We fell behind but we responded by making chances and whilst we missed some, we managed to get the win.”

Inverness Caledonian Thistle dug themselves deeper into second place with a 2-0 win over visitors Ayr United. Jordan White curled the Highlanders ahead after 20 minutes and the points stayed in the north when Miles Storey guided in the second just after the hour mark.

Dunfermline secured their third win in eight days by seeing off Morton 3-1 at East End Park. Pars striker Kevin Nisbet opened the scoring midway through the first half from the penalty spot. Danny Rogers saved Nisbet’s first attempt but referee Barry Cook ordered a re-take after judging that the Morton goalkeeper had encroached off his line.

Nisbet made no mistake second time around. Seven minutes into the second half Peter Grant kicked the ball away from Rogers’ hands after he had denied Nisbet only to see it rebound off Greg Kiltie and go over the line. Reece Lyon pulled a goal back before Nisbet slotted home his second six minutes from time.

Fifth-placed Dundee fell further behind their city rivals after a 1-1 draw at Arbroath. The Red Lichties went ahead thanks to Bobby Linn’s wicked effort on 36 minutes, the equaliser arriving after an hour through Kane Hemmings’ header.

Partick Thistle are off the bottom thanks to their 2-1 victory at Queen of the South.

The Doonhamers led on 20 minutes thanks to Connor Murray’s drive with an equaliser not arriving until 20 minutes from time when Joe Cardle netted.

Thistle’s winner came with five minutes left through Reece Cole’s 25-yarder.