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Dundee United returned to the top six of the Scottish Premiership with a deserved 3-1 victory at basement level Livingston.
Zac Sapsford broke the deadlock during a first half dominated by the visitors and visiting manager Jim Goodwin’s only frustration was that his side were not out of sight.
Tannadice’s side had to wait until the 86th minute to double their lead thanks to a Ryan McGowan own goal.
Amar Fatah then quickly added a third before Connor McLennan grabbed a stoppage-time consolation in an action-packed finish.
United move back up to sixth in the table, while Livingston remain rooted to the basement – four points behind Kilmarnock.
Dundee United beat Livingston to return to top six
United came out of the blocks quickly and forced a save from Jerrome Prior inside three minutes.
Will Ferry’s cutback from the left flank found Sapsford and the striker’s strike was saved by the Frenchman.
It was a sign of things to come against a Livingston side lacking confidence after going into the game without a league win since August.
The Lions then had Danny Wilson to thank for keeping the visitors at bay with two clearances in quick succession from his own line.
Wilson was well placed to keep out Dario Naamo’s close-range effort before denying Luca Stephenson after the midfielder’s shot from inside the box beat Prior.
Livingston are four points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership
In comparison, the home fans had little to cheer for, although Jeremy Bokila saw an effort saved by Dave Richards.
United teenager Owen Stirton – making his second start of the season just hours after signing a new deal until the summer of 2028 – then headed in the far post from Ferry’s corner.
But the visiting team put their pressure on in the 33rd minute. Ferry’s corner broke at the near post towards Sapsford and the Australian turned and fired a shot from close range.
Dundee United wanted a second before the break and Prior latched onto Stirton and Naamo’s efforts.
Dundee United team celebrate after Ryan McGowan’s own goal
It was a similar story after the break and when Craig Sibbald saw a shot come back off the post, the visitors finally doubled the lead.
Prior pushed away a Samuel Cleall-Harding effort, but the ball hit teammate McGowan in the face and rolled away.
Substitute Fatah then scored a superb goal, driving into the box before firing a shot into the corner.
McLennan’s well-executed goal in injury time was too little, too late for the hosts.
