Ross County 0 United 3

United racked up their biggest away win of the season with an impressive 3-0 victory over Ross County in Dingwall. Goals from Paul Paton in the first half, Billy Mckay and Ryan Dow in the second, set United up to win two consecutive league games for the first time this season. By Graeme Webster United kicked off in the sunshine at the Global Energy Stadium, defending the goal housing their 405 travelling fans. With barely a minute on the clock, United were first to threaten. From a Paton free-kick, Donaldson rose to meet the ball but headed just over. Soon after there was an off the ball incident when Paul Quinn fell clutching his face. Ofere was the closest United player but despite howls of derision from the County fans, the unsighted referee opted to award a drop kick. Quinn again was in the thick of it in eight minutes when he headed just over amid claims his shirt was being pulled. His protests were waved away. A minute later United went in front. A corner from Scott Fraser was nodded back beyond Scott Fox in the County goal and into the net by captain for the day, Paul Paton. Tempers flared again on the quarter hour mark when Gunning and Schalk grappled on the half way line. There looked to be a clash of heads between the pair and both were given a caution. The United defender made a more productive contribution midway through the first half when he smashed a volley inches wide after good trickery from Scott Fraser to set him up. As the first half progressed, the game deteriorated on a pitch that was cutting up badly. Kawashima was forced to rush out to clear a dangerous ball after 30 minutes but collided with Gunning in the process. The big defender looked to have picked up a back injury but was running freely again after a few minutes. County began to get a foothold in the game as the interval edged closer. Jackson Irvine headed just wide from a corner and then Gunning brilliantly cut out a through ball from the same player that would have left County with a one on one opening. Andrew Davies was next to go close when he got in a free header from a Gardyne corner but it soared just over the bar. There was time for one last United chance prior to half time when goal scoring hero Paul Paton chested down a loose ball at the edge of the box and fired a rasping drive just off target. Half Time: County 0 – 1 United Before many of the fans were back in their seats, United almost doubled their lead. An audacious lob from Billy Mckay had Fox scrambling back to his goal but with the ‘keeper helpless, the ball flashed just past the post. Dixon was coming more into the game on the left side and he almost set up Fraser to score. A great run and cross to the back post was met by Fraser, but the midfielder could not convert. The 62^nd minute marked a pivotal moment in the game as Ryan Dow replaced Ofere. Mckay moved up front on his own and Dow tucked in behind him. Almost immediately Dow was in thick of the action, setting up Fraser who elected to shoot over when there were better options waiting at the back post.  With twenty minutes remaining United went further ahead. Dow was released on the left side and his ball into the box found its way to an unmarked Mckay who had time to side foot home in front of the travelling tangerine army. Within seconds County were back up the park and after a goal mouth scramble, they hit the bar before United cleared. With fifteen minutes left, United put the game to bed with substitute Ryan Dow nodding home. Donaldson had a powerful header parried up in the air by Fox, but Dow was on hand to head over the line. The third goal knocked the stuffing out of County and was a case of playing out time for United. They had one last change to nick another when Rankin tried his luck with a long-range effort but it was straight at Fox. At full time, there were great scenes of celebration as the United players saluted the travelling fans and they were given a rapturous reception as they left the field. Full Time: County 0 – 3 United  Man Of The Match: Coll Donaldson. Solid at the back, influential in the middle of the park and a constant threat at set pieces. Dundee United: Kawashima, Paton (C), Rankin, Ofere (Dow 62’), Durnan, Gunning, Spittal (Knoyle 82’), Fraser, Donaldson, Mckay (Erskine 87’), Dixon. Subs not used: Zwick, Dillon, Sinima-Pongolle, Murray.  Ross County: Fox, Fraser, Davies (C), Quinn, McLaughlin, Irvine, McShane (Franks 45’), Woods, Gardyne, Boyce (Graham 65’), Schalk (Goodwillie 65’). Subs not used: Boyd, Robertson, Murdoch, Woods.   Referee: John Beaton   Crowd: 3,564