THIS was a game which did plenty for the Championship and not so much for Dundee United’s hopes of automatic promotion

Ray McKinnon’s side are now six points behind leaders Hibernian and, rather strangely, have struggled for form since going top of the league last month. They have taken five points from a possible 15 in the last five games and were fortunate to get a draw against Queen of the South.

“We gave up two points today," said a frustrated McKinnon who felt he could have substituted seven of his players during the second half.

"We found ourselves 3-1 down and had a mountain to climb at that point, and I didn't think we were going to get a point because we weren't mentally at the races, so I was happy to take a point at home in the end.

"We are going through a wee sticky patch and I don't know if the players were feeling sorry for themselves after two defeats; however, they are a good bunch and they will respond. It is a wee test of character."

United knew they had to get back to winning ways after two defeats and their quest was helped, or so they must have thought at the time, by a goal after barely four minutes. A ball over the top by Scott Fraser gave Simon Murray something to run at, he held off Andrew Dowie before planting his shot high into the net.

Queens eventually got into the game and a goal did come for them on 28 minutes. A free-kick from Scott Mercer into the United box found Danny Carmichael and only he will know if he meant to pass to Scott Dobbie or shoot.

What wasn’t up for debate was the finish from the veteran striker; Dobbie took a touch and superbly chipped Bell. That’s 18 for the season. This is a player who could easily score in the Premiership.

The men from Dumfries began the second half with skip in their step. This became a spring after eight minutes when they took the lead. A superb pass from Dobbie put in Joe Thomson, on loan from Celtic and, despite a less then convincing first touch, he put his shot through the legs of Bell.

Dom Thomas, on loan from Motherwell, took centre stage on 65 minutes when he conjured up a fine third goal. He cut it in from the right, took on a couple of players, dummied a shot and then produced a sublime finish from 18 yards which ended up in the top corner.

United looked done and yet got back into it on 77 minutes. Blair Spittal’s cross to back post was kept in by Lewis Toshney who did well to get the ball back in the centre of the box. Queens failed to clear their lines, the ball fell to Scott Fraser who guided his shot into the bottom corner.

They ill-deserved an equaliser but nonetheless it came a minute from time. United’s Tope Obadeyi did well to get down the left and his low cross was sent home by Murray from a yard or so out. Right at the death, Robinson pulled off a brilliant save to deny United’s Mark Durnan an injury- time winner.

That would have been harsh on Queen of the South whose manager Gary Naismith said: "I went through every emotion you can think of. It was a rollercoaster for a manager. I thought we dominated for 20 minutes in the second half, I enjoyed watching us.

"It was unfortunate that we didn't hold out. I need to look at. We should be winning at 3-1 with 15 minutes to go."

Scorers

Dundee United: Murray 4, 89, Fraser 77

Queen of the South: Dobbie 28, Thomson 53, Thomas 65