Dundee United 4 Kilmarnock 0: Sparkling United climb into top six

Wednesday 22 February 2012

DUNDEE UNITED have tended to excel in the second half of their matches of late and so it proved again as they dispatched Kilmarnock to enhance their European aspirations.

John Rankin celebrates Dundee's United third goal

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Robert Thomson

After squandering numerous chances in the opening 45 minutes, United enjoyed some luck when Liam Kelly foolishly allowed the ball to bounce in the penalty box, resulting in a foul on Gary Mackay-Steven, a penalty kick, and Kelly's departure.

Jon Daly dispatched the award with aplomb and further goals from Paul Dixon, a stunning strike by John Rankin and Scott Robertson's 86th-minute effort were enough to take United above Kilmarnock in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table. "I told the players at half-time to start shooting because I felt they were too intricate," said the delighted manager, Peter Houston. "They were excellent finishes and, with Paul Dixon hitting the post as well and Cammy Bell making some great saves, it was a good performance."Kilmarnock named the same XI that secured victory at Ibrox , meaning Dean Shiels – scorer of their goal – remained in attack with Paul Heffernan. United brought in Willo Flood for Stuart Armstrong, called up by Scotland U21s.The home team squandered an early chance when Jon Daly scooped the ball over from six yards after a clever interchange between Johnny Russell and Scott Robertson. Craig Thomson, the referee, back in more prosaic surroundings after the splendour of working at a Barcelona match in the Champions League, booked Lewis Toshney, the on-loan Celtic player, for a wild lunge on Paul Dixon which could have had serious consequences. Dixon, perhaps unfortunate to be omitted from the Scotland squad named on Monday, has set up a high percentage of United's goals this season and looked certain to add another on the half hour. His low cross from the left found Russell at the front post but the striker flicked his shot wide. Rankin did nothing to ingratiate himself with the visiting players, or support, by almost scoring – albeit inadvertently – in an unsporting manner. The ball had been played out to allow treatment to Russell, who had been clattered seconds before, but instead of rolling it back to Bell, he connected too well and was fortunate to watch it land on the roof of the net. After the restart, Bell was called into action twice, from efforts by Rankin and Flood, before the contest swung in United's favour in 56 minutes with the penalty incident in which Kelly was sent off. Mackay-Steven sneaked in ahead of the defender, who had let the ball bounce, and was taken down. Referee Thomson had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot and Daly coolly planted a shot past Bell into his left-hand corner. United doubled their advantage three minutes later in spectacular style. Dixon had shot wide from distance just moments before but made no mistake this time with a drive from the edge of the box, although questions could be asked of Bell, who seemed to let the ball fly through him. The left-back nearly added a second on 67 minutes with another shot from distance which beat Bell but the ball cracked back off the base of the post. But Bell's goal was breached again within minutes and he was culpable again, getting a weak punch on a Flood corner kick. He was swiftly punished by Rankin, who blasted an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from 16 yards. United completed the rout with six minutes remaining when Robertson picked up a pass from substitute Stuart Armstrong before thrashing a shot across Bell into the far corner. While pleased with the overall performance after Saturday's unedifying match with St Mirren, Houston picked out Rankin for special mention."I have to praise John because he was excellent," said the manager, "He is the kind of in-your-face midfielder we have done well with in the past so I was delighted to get him when I knew we were losing the likes of Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben. "I was a bit surprised when we were able to sign him and it wouldn't surprise me if he picks up a few of the supporters' player-of-the-year awards this season."Kenny Shiels, the Kilmarnock manager, admitted his side had performed poorly. "Dundee United were sharper than us and they deserve all the credit. I was disappointed in Craig Thomson, I don't think he had his best game. He was off the pace, as we were, struggled to keep up with play and was throwing cards about like confetti.""But I have to stress that I'm not angry about the referee. We were beaten because Dundee United were very good."analysis Houston's men entertain with second-half goal spree

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Dundee United 4 Kilmarnock 0: Sparkling United climb into top six

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