Dundee United moved into the top six of the Scottish Premiership with a 3-1 win at basement side Livingston.
Zac Sapsford broke the deadlock in a first half dominated by the visitors, with visiting manager Jim Goodwin’s only frustration being his side’s inability to stand out.
The Tannadice side had to wait until the 86th minute to double their lead through a Ryan McGowan own goal.
Amar Fatah quickly added a third before Connor McLennan scored a stoppage-time consolation in an action-packed conclusion.
United have moved back up to sixth, while Livingston remain top of the table, four points behind Kilmarnock.
Dundee United are back in the top six after beating Livingston.
United were quick to block the attack and forced a fine save from Jerome Prior after three minutes.
Will Perry’s cut-back from the left flank found Sapsford and the striker’s drive was blocked by the Frenchman.
This was a sign that they were going to face a Livingston team that had lost confidence after going into the game without a league win since August.
The Lions had Danny Wilson to thank for allowing two successive clearances on his own line to deny the visitors.
Wilson was well placed to block Dario Naamo’s close-range effort before denying Luca Stevenson when the midfielder’s shot from inside the box beat Prior.
Livingston are four points adrift of bottom of the Scottish Premier League.
By comparison, the home fans had little to encourage, with Jeremy Bokila’s effort being beaten by Dave Richards.
Manchester United teenager Owen Sturton, making his second start of the season, headed home the far post from Perry’s corner just hours after signing a new contract until the summer of 2028.
But the away team applied the pressure in the 33rd minute. Ferry’s corner was headed towards Sapsford at the front post and the Australian turned and fired home from close range.
Dundee United wanted a break and Prior fired in efforts from Stirton and Naamo.
The Dundee United team celebrates after Ryan McGowan scored an own goal.
It was a similar story after the break and the visitors finally doubled their lead when Craig Sibbald saw his effort returned at the post.
He had earlier pushed aside Samuel Cleall-Harding’s effort, but the ball rolled into team-mate McGowan’s face.
Substitute Fatah scored a stunning goal, rushing into the box before firing home from a corner.
A well-earned strike from McLennan in added time was too little too late for the hosts.
