Match ends, Dundee United 4, St Mirren 0.
Dundee UtdDundee United4St MirrenSt Mirren0
Nadir Ciftci netted twice as Dundee United beat St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.
The striker latched on to a long ball to fire United into the lead and then doubled the hosts' advantage from the spot after winning a penalty.
Ryan Gauld threatened twice as the visitors continued to struggle.
And both Gauld and Tangerines substitute Chris Erskine added their names to the scoresheet in the second half with long-range efforts.
The win moves Jackie McNamara's side up to fifth in the division. St Mirren slip to second bottom, albeit with a 15-point cushion over Hearts.
The Paisley side had travelled to Tannadice off the back of two straight wins but seldom looked like extending that run against an impressive United side.
Marian Kello, making his debut in goal for St Mirren after joining on a short-term deal, watched an early free-kick from Ciftci whistle past the post.
But the striker did find the net after outmuscling two defenders to reach John Rankin's pass and force the ball past Kello.
Ciftci was then fouled in the box by Sean Kelly and confidently fired home from 12 yards.
Gauld was unsuccessful with a couple of efforts in the run up to half-time but was not to be denied after the break.
The midfielder received Ciftci's pass and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner from outside the penalty area.
That goal followed what had been a positive spell from the Buddies at the start of the second half.
But Danny Lennon's men soon found themselves under continued pressure as Dundee United looked to add further goals, Kello blocking an effort from Brian Graham in one attack.
Steven Thompson had a chance to reduce the visitors' deficit but took the ball too far after rounding keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak and Andrew Robertson cleared for the hosts.
Ryan Dow set up fellow substitute Chris Erskine to fire United's fourth in the closing stages.
Line-ups
Dundee Utd
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Cierzniak
- 16Wilson
- 26Robertson
- 6PatonSubstituted forGomisat 68'minutes
- 20Souttar
- 5Gunning
- 11Mackay-Steven
- 8Rankin
- 9Graham
- 21CiftciSubstituted forDowat 75'minutes
- 19GauldSubstituted forErskineat 68'minutes
Substitutes
- 4Butcher
- 7Goodwillie
- 10S Armstrong
- 17Erskine
- 18Dow
- 25McCallum
- 27Gomis
St Mirren
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 28Kello
- 2van ZantenSubstituted forNaismithat 63'minutes
- 18Kelly
- 11McLean
- 4McGregor
- 5Mair
- 24Newton
- 6GoodwinSubstituted forCapriceat 63'minutes
- 9Thompson
- 10McGowan
- 7McGinnSubstituted forHarkinsat 64'minutes
Substitutes
- 1Cornell
- 8Harkins
- 14McAusland
- 16Caprice
- 19Bahoken
- 22Naismith
- 27Grainger
- Referee:
- Iain Brines
- Attendance:
- 6,331
Match Stats
Home TeamDundee UtdAway TeamSt Mirren
- Possession
- Home60%
- Away40%
- Shots
- Home16
- Away4
- Shots on Target
- Home5
- Away1
- Corners
- Home6
- Away2
- Fouls
- Home8
- Away8
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Dundee United 4, St Mirren 0.
Post update
Attempt saved. Conor Newton (St Mirren) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Post update
Andrew Robertson (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Conor Newton (St Mirren).
Post update
Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Lee Mair.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Gary Harkins (St Mirren) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Goal!
Goal! Dundee United 4, St Mirren 0. Chris Erskine (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Brian Graham.
Post update
Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Sean Kelly.
Post update
Attempt missed. Kenny McLean (St Mirren) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.
Substitution
Substitution, Dundee United. Ryan Dow replaces Nadir Ciftci.
Post update
Attempt missed. Mark Wilson (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Post update
Corner, St Mirren. Conceded by John Souttar.
Post update
Attempt missed. Chris Erskine (Dundee United) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Substitution
Substitution, Dundee United. Chris Erskine replaces Ryan Gauld.
Substitution
Substitution, Dundee United. Morgaro Gomis replaces Paul Paton.
Post update
Attempt missed. Steven Thompson (St Mirren) header from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left.
Post update
Attempt missed. John Rankin (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Substitution
Substitution, St Mirren. Gary Harkins replaces John McGinn.
Substitution
Substitution, St Mirren. Jake Caprice replaces James Goodwin.
