CHAMPIONSHIP
Dundee United breathed life into their promotion prospects with a dogged win over Alloa.
Victory over Ross County in midweek saw the Tangerines close the gap on the Championship-leading Highlanders.
By dumping the relegation-threatened Wasps yesterday, they squeezed the Staggies’ lead again – moving to within five points.
It was a spirited showing and gaffer Robbie Neilson last night urged his side to keep piling the pressure on by beating Dunfermline on Tuesday.
“This is a huge result as it gives us a chance to get the gap down to two points on Tuesday night,” said the United boss. “It keeps the pressure on County. They now need to go and win.”
United had every reason to start aggressively against Alloa. Instead, they fell behind within seven minutes.
They had been given a warning too.
Just seconds before Jordan Kirkpatrick slammed home the opener from close range – a goal coughed up by United courtesy of some dodgy handling by keeper Benjamin Siegrist – Alloa were denied by a Siegrist double save from Dario Zanatta and Alan Trouten.
Suddenly United had to chase the game. Not to mention the points they desperately need to achieve their goal of automatic promotion.
There was plenty of possession for United, but in terms of ideas, penetration, a final ball, there wasn’t enough.
Still, with so much of the game being played in Alloa’s half, there were always going to be chances – and one arrived just before the half-hour.
It came from a whipped Jamie Robson dead ball delivery. Nicky Clark went for it along with Alloa captain Andy Graham who unfortunately succeeded only in knocking it past his own goalkeeper.
Alloa are fighting for their lives and a point at Tannadice would have suited them before kick-off.
But just as it looked like a draw was on the cards, United got the reward their play deserved when Nicky Clark tapped in at the far post from Callum Booth’s pinpoint cross.
Alloa gaffer Jim Goodwin said: “Our effort, commitment and the way we stuck to the game warranted a point.”