Andreu’s at double to cheer McKinnon

THIS win will not completely erase the painful memory of last Tuesday’s Betfred Cup quarter-final exit from the minds of Dundee United’s players.

But in the Championship — the real priority for Ray McKinnon’s men this season — three points will heal some of the wounds. Fifth-placed United needed this victory to keep in touch with the teams above them.

Morton’s magical night was not to be repeated as Tony Andreu bagged a brace to help United return to winning ways.

Sean Dillon’s late own goal was not enough for the visitors to take a point back to Greenock.

It was a result that left Morton boss Jim Duffy angry — and particularly frustrated with the decisions he felt went against his team during the match.

‘I’m gutted. I don’t think we deserved to lose,’ said Duffy. ‘It’s a travesty, if truth be told.

‘Andreu is a terrific player, take nothing away from him.

‘We were on the front foot and my players gave absolutely everything. Especially on the back of Tuesday because we don’t have the same resources as United.

‘What we do have is a tremendous attitude. But we didn’t get many breaks and one or two decisions went against us. The referee was not too kind to us.’

It took 17 minutes for the first decent chance to arrive when Cammy Smith fed Andreu in the box, who beat the offside trap but his effort was well saved by Morton keeper Andy McNeil.

Morton came so close to an opening goal seven minutes before the break.

From a corner, the ball broke to on-loan Celtic midfielder Aidan Nesbitt and he unleashed a fierce drive from 20 yards which crashed back off the post.

The ball fell to Tom O’Ware, but his effort was deflected over for another corner.

The goal this game needed arrived on 64 minutes.

Substitute Tope Obadeyi’s cross from the right fell to Andreu 15 yards out. McNeil got a hand to the Frenchman’s shot but the ball found the net.

United wrapped up the win in injury time as Andreu bagged a brace, racing on to Simon Murray’s flick to beat the offside trap and calmly slot into the net.

Morton netted a late consolation when Ross Forbes’ free-kick from the left was converted by Dillon into his own net.

‘It was all about the three points today,’ said McKinnon. ‘Especially after losing at Falkirk last week so late and the injuries we have.

‘I’m delighted for Tony. At the moment, he is worth his weight in gold.

‘I was disappointed to lose the late goal but it’s great to win. It was important to beat Morton today.’