ROSS COUNTY 0
DUNDEE UNITED 1 WATSON (15)
Stuart Kettlewell last night accused Dundee United of “lacking class” after Robbie Neilson’s revitalised side avenged September’s Tannadice trouncing.
Paul Watson’s early strike proved enough to make it four wins and a draw under the new manager to climb one point behind second-top Ross County and five behind leaders Ayr.
County’s 11-match unbeaten run was terminated with their first defeat since losing at Cappielow in late August, but Kettlewell was incensed by the Tangerines time-wasting antics and wild celebrations at the end.
The clearly-angered County co-manager said: “We know how this drill works. I’ll stand here and tell you we deserved to win it and Robbie will tell you they did.
“There’s a real frustration from our point of view because there’s no way on God’s earth we deserved to lose that game.
“It compounds it when you see some of the antics and stuff that goes on, but that’s part and parcel of football.
“They’ve done a number on us today. They’ve beaten us. It was smash and grab in my opinion
“I’m a football person and I like my football.
“When you see people throwing themselves on the ground continually, that’s not football to me.
“It’s that wee lack of class in winning. We’ve gone to Tannadice and won 5-1, rounded our players up and continued with the rest of the season.
“It’s a big win for them. We’ve beaten them twice this season and we conduct ourselves with that little bit of class.”
United were backed by a 900-strong support and the Neilson feelgood factor was audible.
But, while the Tangerine faithful generated the atmosphere, County set the early pace. Only 23 seconds had elapsed when Billy Mckay had the ball in the net, only to be ruled offside.
But, in defiance of County’s early pressure, United took a 15th-minute lead.
From deep right, Fraser Aird’s free-kick was knocked down by William Edjenguele, leaving Paul Watson clear to slam a shot home from six yards.
United defended well, slowed the game down when they could, and there were frequent stoppages for injuries.
There were seven added minutes after all the injury delays, but United held strong.