Stanton strikes as Tannadice men sink Arbroath to move 13 points clear at top

Table-toppingdundee United picked up the early Christmas present of a 13-point lead after seeing off hosts Arbroath 1-0, writes Craig Stewart.

The Tannadice side marked their first league game at Gayfield in over 45 years by scoring after six minutes when a low drive from Sam Stanton, pictured, took a nick off Colin Hamilton on its way in.

Arbroath pushed for an equaliser with Bobby Linn and Ricky Little going close before United were awarded a penalty on 53 minutes when Derek Gaston took down Nicky Clark. The shot-stopper, though, redeemed himself with a save from Clark’s 12-yard effort.

United manager Robbie Neilson said: “If you want to win titles, you have to win games like this.”

Inverness Caledonian Thistle fell further behind as they went down 3-1 at Partick Thistle. The Jags took the lead on 48 minutes when Alex Jones slipped a shot past Mark Ridgers, but James Keatings quickly replied.

Steven Saunders drilled the Glasgow side ahead for a second time with Dario Zanatta clinching the win in injury time.

Ross Docherty headed home twice in the first 12 minutes as Ayr United defeated visitors Alloa 2-1. Kevin O’hara drilled in for Alloa from 25 yards midway through the second half, but the Wasps could not produce a leveller.

Dundee defeated Dunfermline 4-3 in an action-packed game at Dens Park. A Danny Devine own goal put the Dark Blues one up on 15 minutes, but Ryan Dow replied within 60 seconds.

Kane Hemmings and Paul Mcgowan had Dundee winning 3-1 at half-time with Danny Johnson adding a fourth just three minutes into the restart.

It looked even worse for the Pars when Greg Kiltie was dismissed, but the ten men rallied with Kevin Nisbet and Lewis Martin reducing the deficit.

Morton versus Queen of the South was called off due to Cappielow being waterlogged.