STORY OF THE MATCH | PARTICK THISTLE (A)

Dundee United dismantled Partick Thistle 5-0  in Maryhill to complete the first round of cinch Championship fixtures without defeat.

Craig Sibbald drew first blood for the Terrors after just 12 minutes when the midfielder was left in splendid isolation by the Jags' defence, controlling a Glenn Middleton corner before dispatching through a crowded six-yard box.

It took until the hour-mark for the visitors to double their advantage despite having a tight grip on the majority of proceedings. Kevin Holt pickpocketed Scott Robinson on the half-way line, before playing a sharp one-two with Tony Watt and striding forward into the attacking half. Formerly of Thistle, Holt unleashed a venomous effort from 30 yards - a strike that caught out Jamie Sneddon and thundered into the top corner. 

Less than two minutes later, United would effectively end the match as a contest with a third goal. A sweeping move involving Watt, Sibbald, Kai Fotheringham and Louis Moult culminated in Scott McMann finishing low beyond the 'keeper for his second goal in three Championship matches.

Into the final stages, the tangerine juggernaut continued to push for more, galvanised by a jubilant Arab contingent in full voice. Another Middleton corner caused havoc in the six-yard area, and the ball bounced off the thigh of Holt and over the line.

Goodwin's side iced the cake on 88 minutes, with Holt wrapping up a remarkable and historic hat-trick from the penalty spot after Watt was felled by Kieran Ngwenya. The defender's tally for the season now stands at seven, having already netted two braces against Peterhead and Ayr United respectively.

United now sit four points clear at the top of the table, having recorded our best start to a second-tier campaign in the club's history with 21 points from the opening nine matches.