Dundee United brush off Inverness to soar to fourth in SPL

DUNDEE United continued their excellent recent form with a straight-forward 3-0 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Tannadice last night, a result which hoisted Peter Houston’s side into fourth spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

John Rankin got the ball rolling for United after 15 minutes when he robbed Inverness possession on the right and let fly with a swerving 25-yard shot which left goalkeeper Ryan Esson with no chance.

Inverness conceded a soft second goal seven minutes after the interval when skipper Jon Daly outjumped Ross Tokely at the back post to nod Willo Flood’s flighted free-kick into the path of Scott Robertson who headed wide of Esson into the bottom corner of the net.

United saved the best until last when Scotland Under-21 forward Johnny Russell showed great control in the 78th minute to weave his way through the Inverness defence before a deft finish with the outside of his boot.

The three points were enough for United to climb into fourth above St Johnstone on goal difference, and a point clear of sixth-placed Hearts. Inverness, meanwhile, remain tenth, four points clear of 11th placed Hibs.