DUNDEE UNITED 3 DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC 1

The Tangerines were deserved winners in yesterday afternoon’s clash at Whitton Park.

Leading thanks to an Osman Sow double at the break, United’s lead could have been more.

Although the Pars pulled one back through Gregor Jordan with five minutes left, Archie Meekison scored a third to put a proper perspective on the scoreline.

A terrific run by Declan Glass paved the way for the opener after 27 minutes. His run down the left took him to the byline before hoisting the ball to the back post to give Sow the easiest of headed goals.

Six minutes later, Chris Mochrie regained possession inside Dunfermline’s penalty box and threaded the ball to Sow, who slotted home.

On the stroke of half-time, United went close to adding a third, Mochrie sending his shot fractionally wide after a surging run from inside his own half.

Goalmouth action was at a premium in the second half until the 76th minute when Chris Mochrie curled a shot from just outside the box against the crossbar.

Then, with five minutes left, Dunfermline reduced the leeway. Josh Robertson powered in a shot that was deflected for Jordan to flick home from close range.

Within two minutes, Meekison restored United’s two-goal lead, smashing a dipping shot past sub keeper Ben Swinton from 25 yards.

United: Mehmet, Wardrop, Freeman, King, Graham, Neilson, Mochrie, Glass (Fotheringham 63), Sow (D Watson 57), Appéré, (Davidson 46), Sporle (Meekison 63). Subs not used: Currid, Hutchinson, Cooney.

Dunfermline: Burt (Swinton 73), Bowman, Jordan, Fenton, Watson, Berry (Mitchell 65), Robertson, Brown, Sawers (Arnott 73), Trialist, Coulson.