Dundee United 1 Ross County 0

United secured a much needed and hard fought three points at Tannadice. By Gareth Scott In a very tight match it always looked as if a single goal would do it and the winner came from Billy Mckay who slotted home a penalty ten minutes from time. United had the better of the first half with County improving after the break however the United fans were sent home happy after Mixu Paatelainen secured his first win as United boss. In the dying moments Aidan Connolly saw red for United after picking up two yellow cards. Following the heavy defeat at Celtic Park last Sunday, Mixu Paatelainen made three changes to United's starting eleven for the visit of Ross County. The big surprise came with Michal Szromnik replacing Luis Zwick in goal. Blair Spittal returned after suspension and there was also a place for Adam Taggart. Charlie Telfer and Darko Bodul were the two players who made way. After progressing to the League Cup semi final in midweek, Jim McIntyre fielded a strong side for the visitors that included former United man, Michael Gardyne. First Half: With only two minutes on the clock United had the ball in the net but the linesman had adjudged Adam Taggart to be in an offside position. The hosts were looking the brighter of the two sides and with ten minutes gone Rankin tested Gary Woods but the keeper saved low to his left. United were looking threatening and twice went close when firstly Mckay set up Spittal who couldn't get his shot on target and then shortly after Fraser did well on the left and he drove the ball into the six yard box but there were no takers for the Tangerines. United then went close again when Taggart crossed to Spittal who saw his header deflect off Foster and go out for a corner. Midway through the half United produced a flowing move that involved Kuhl and Taggart with the latter flicking the ball to Fraser who unfortunately lost control with only the keeper to beat. Minutes later the home crowd were screaming for a penalty when a left foot shot from Mckay appeared to strike the arm of Foster but the referee waved play on. The visitors then had the ball in the United net but Dingwall was deemed to be offiside and the score remained goalless. Ten minutes before the break Taggart latched on to a Rankin pass and the Aussie was unlucky when Woods tipped his shot round the post. Shortly after Fraser swung in a free kick and with players challenging for the ball it deflected and Woods made a great save to deny United. The final piece of action of the half came when Dingwall dispossessed Souttar who then made a long run and shot that produced a fantastic save from Szromnik. Second Half: County had a chance straight from the kick off and McGowan did well to block Dingwall's shot. United then responded but Rankin dragged his shot wide of the post. Rankin then took a direct free kick that took a wicked deflection and just missed the target. The resulting corner was headed wide by McGowan however there was a sickening clash of heads between him and County skipper Davies and unfortunately the County man was stretchered from the field. Shortly after United had a fine chance when Dillon's cross was met by Souttar but he blasted over the crossbar. Fraser was then fouled at the edge of the area and Spittal's curling free kick wasn't far off target. The visitors were beginning to threaten and with 25 minutes to go a corner kick picked out Boyd who floated a header just over. The chances were at both ends and next to threaten was Fraser who ran and shot from the edge of the area but his effort was charged down by the visiting defence. Ten minutes from time United broke the deadlock. Fraser's quick feet were too much for Woods to handle and he was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Mckay took the penalty and calmly slotted the ball home. County looked to draw level and a long range effort from Woods hit the top of the crossbar. With time running out Szromnik twice made good saves when he kept out a Murdoch header and then shortly after saved from the head of Boyce. Right at the death Connolly was red carded for United after picking up a second yellow card for chopping down Gardyne. The resulting free kick came to nothing and the referee blew for full time to hand United a massive three points. Summing Up - In the end United just about merited the win. You could see they were far more organised and kept things tight at the back and in the end the sheer grit and determination won them the points. Man of the match - there were a number of candidates as the defence played well as did Michal Szromnik. However Billy Mckay ran his heart out all afternoon and he was rewarded with the match winning goal. Teams : United : Szromnik, Dillon, Souttar, McKay, Rankin, McGowan, Durnan, Spittal (Connolly 58), Fraser, Kuhl, Taggart Subs : Zwick, Murray, Telfer, Donaldson, Bodul, Robson Ross County : Woods, Fraser, Foster, Robertson, Gardyne, Boyce, Curran (Schalk 62), Davies (Boyd 49) Dingwall (Murdoch 58), Woods, Irvine Subs : Severn, Graham, Franks Referee : Don Robertson Click here for the full report. Click here for our Picture Gallery from the match.