Stu stirs class war County slam United’s antics as Watson wins it

standards they’ve set.” Jackson netted first in 27 minutes with a great individual goal.

He added a second with Lynas hitting a third before half-time from close range. Sub Blues finished the rout in 82 minutes.

Forfar boss Jim Weir said: “We got what we deserved. Brechin showed more desire than us.” Stuart Kettlewell accused Dundee United of lacking class after Robbie Neilson’s rev i t alised side avenged September’s Tannadice trouncing.

Paul Watson’s early strike proved enough to make it four wins and a draw under the new boss as United moved to within a point of second top Ross County.

But Count y co - boss Kettlewell was incensed by United’s time-wasting and wild celebrations at the end.

He snapped: “There’s a real frustration 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. When you see people throwing themselves on the ground continually then that’s not football to me.

“It’s that wee lack of class in winning. We store that up going forward and channel it in the right manner.

“They’ve done a number on us today. They’ve beaten us. It was smash and grab.”

United were backed by a large, boisterous travelling support but County set about trying to silence them early on.

Just 23 seconds had elapsed when Billy Mckay had the ball in the net, but he was ruled to have been offside.

Then the little striker’s downward header from Josh Mullin’s cross looked to be going in until keeper Benjamin Siegrist tipped it over. But

Ross County........ 0 Dundee Utd......... 1

Alasdair Fraser

United stunned County by taking a 15th minute lead.

Fraser Aird’s free-kick was knocked down by William Edjenguele for Watson to slam home from six yards.

It was the first time County – looking to extend their 11-match unbeaten run – had been behind at home in 10 matches this season.

United looked for a second and Paul McMullan scythed a shot wide before an Aird effort took a vicious deflection and ruffled the side-netting.

County had a strong penalty claim turned down when Edjenguele clattered into Davis Keillor-Dunn, but ref Alan Newlands waved it away.

County finished the half in the ascendancy and that continued after the break but it never quite happened for them as United held out.

Their celebrations at the final whistle may have upset County but United boss Neilson was a happy man.

He said: “It’s a massive three points for us. It was all about the result. Now we have to do it again against Alloa.

“I knew the players would dig it out today. They are all good players and good characters. That’s what we’re trying to get – a good culture.

We can’t really single anybody out. They were all magnificent.”