After an initially lackluster start, Dees soon settled into the game with their trademark short passing style, breaking through United's defence with ease and leading directly to goals from Andy Penman and Gordon Smith.
Gordon came through with an incredible late win that rocked both title races. A series of chances went begging in the second half, including Theo Bair's missed opportunity for his side. But it was Gordon who caused an upset with a stunning late winner!
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Goals
St Johnstone made their return to league action following a long delay due to Scotland v England international and Scottish Cup Final on Wednesday 25th April with a crucial game at Perth against Dundee who still faced relegation threats.
Saints looked nervous in front of an estimated crowd of over 20,000 but just three minutes from half time they equalised when Cox robbed Beck before cutting in for Alan Cousin to finish at the back post.
Gordon quickly took back the lead for United after Stevie May misfired from 10 yards with an imperfect strike into the bottom corner. A 10-man United were forced to dig in as Charlie Mulgrew was sent off for hauling down Melker Hallberg.
Steven Fletcher hit the goalframe in one of their final desperate efforts, but St Johnstone held on for an important win under interim boss Steven MacLean's guidance. Interim coach MacLean lauded their character.
Goalkeeper
St Johnstone have shown under new manager Steven MacLean the kind of determination and hunger for victory that had become lost under Callum Davidson. Although still not safe in the Premiership top six, their victory gave them hope with four games still remaining to help secure safety in this Premiership campaign.
An anxious start was had in this game as both sides sent players forward in an unsettled contest that featured limited goalmouth action. Graham Carey issued an early free-kick but it was blocked away by Mark Birighitti before it could reach Graham Carey himself.
Stevie May had the best opportunity either side of half-time to score, yet his miscued attempted volley fell perfectly for Gordon to tap home a goal that ended United's chances of stemming their Premiership slide and reduced them to 10 men due to Charlie Mulgrew being dismissed on the hour mark.
Info: Kooralive
Referee
Dundee United have had an indifferent start to this year's league campaign despite their convincing win over Celtic earlier this season, only finally turning things around at the turn of the year with back-to-back victories and just five point separation from St Johnstone in third.
Interim Saints manager Steven MacLean made three changes from their draw with Hibernian. James Brown, Hallberg and Graham Carey all began for Steven MacLean's side - with Ilmari Niskanen's long-range effort straying just wide before Ian Harkes headed straight at Remi Matthews after only one minute of play. The Saints started brightly at home against Hibs: Ilmari Niskanen had his long range effort go just wide while Harkes shot straight towards Remi Matthews before Harkes headed straight at Remi Matthews! Interim manager Steven MacLean made three changes from that which had drawn with Hibs: Brown, Hallberg and Graham Carey all starting. They quickly set about attacking Hibs; when Hibs had drawn 1-1 earlier, making changes - James Brown Hallberg and Graham Carey all starting. They began in front from minute 1, as Niskanen hit just wide while Ian Harkes headed straight at Remi Matthews before striking himself just wide before Ian Harkes went forward from minute 1! Ian Harkes headed directly at Remi Matthews after only 1st minute 1.
At the hour mark, however, they were dealt a blow when Charlie Mulgrew was given a red card for bringing down Melker Hallberg as the former Aberdeen striker wriggled away from him. Stevie May quickly took advantage with an air swipe which ended up at Gordon's feet who showed amazing composure to play out over the line with it.
Substitutions
St Johnstone improved their chances of avoiding Scottish Premiership play-offs with their first home league win since November 2015 and an important win against city rivals Dundee United, thanks to Liam Gordon's goal against their city neighbours and Charlie Mulgrew's dismissal on hour mark.
Interim manager Steven MacLean made three changes from the side that lost against Hibernian, with James Brown, Ilmari Niskanen and Graham Carey starting. However, Hibs took control early with Ian Harkes and Melker Hallberg both testing Remi Matthews before Remi Matthews came on for his own comeback attempt.
After the interval, it took the hosts some time to find their feet, nearly taking the lead through Gordon when Stevie May's miskick landed perfectly for him but he dragged his shot wide of the post. Following Red Carded players like McCarthy missing an obvious chance, before substitute Collin Quaner managed a well-placed volley over.
Source: Kora live
