Dundee United 2
Ayr United 1
League (Championship)

Match Report

Dundee United edged closer to securing second spot in the Scottish Championship - and kept alive their slim title hopes - by coming from behind to beat Ayr United at Tannadice.

Steven Bell's looping header had the visitors in front in the first half.

But with Ayr eyeing a win that would have moved them within three points of United with a game in hand, substitute Pavol Safranko volleyed United level.

Then, Paul McMullan capitalised on slack defending to give United the win.

Ayr goalkeeper Ross Doohan's scuffed clearance landed at the forward's feet and he drove into the box and punished the mistake.

It means that if Ross County beat Partick Thistle on Saturday, the Dingwall side would be eight points clear at the top with nine left to play for.

United, meanwhile, have strengthened their grip on second place, given they are now nine clear of third-placed Ayr, albeit having played a game more.

Dundee United head coach Robbie Neilson: "It was a tough game, and a very important game for us. It gives us a cushion in second but we're still looking at that top place as well.

"Safranko's a good finisher and we've got good competition up there now, with McMullan, [Osman] Sow, [Nicky] Clark and Matty Smith as well."

Ayr United manager Ian McCall: "I think the crucial thing was this being our fifth game in 13 days.

"I credit Dundee United a touch but we ran out of legs, simple as that. In the first half at times they couldn't get near us."

Match report written by BBC