Houston braced for cutbacks as Dunfermline enjoy back-to-back wins

Dundee United manager Peter Houston has warned that expectations at Tannadice might have to be tempered after this home defeat by Dunfermline was played against a backdrop of gloomy financial forecasts.

Houston is resigned to seeing no money from the £2 million-plus sale of David Goodwillie to Blackburn to improve his squad, which looked in need of inspiration in an SPL game won by an 85th-minute strike from Paul Burns.

The United manager has signed defender Gavin Gunning, who made his debut at centre-half, but looks unlikely to be able to bring anyone else in. Gunning came in after Scott Severin suffered a triple leg break that will keep him out for the season so Houston has effectively only kept his pool at the same level since Goodwillie’s departure. He lacked options against Dunfermline with Danny Swanson the only experienced player able to come off the bench.

Dunfermline’s impressive back four dealt well with some decent spells of United pressure, with John Rankin, Barry Douglas and Jon Daly heading wide from a series of balls into the box.

Dunfermline goalkeeper Paul Gallacher pulled off what Houston termed a “world-class save” when he pushed Scott Robertson’s 20-yard volley on to the post in the 31st minute, but the visitors did not have too many scares. They took all three points when Burns fired home from 20 yards following Joe Cardle’s cutback, with Dusan Pernis unsighted or even foiled by a slight deflection as he failed to keep the ball out.

United pushed Hearts all the way for third place last season and hopes were high they could challenge again despite losing midfielders Morgaro Gomis, Prince Buaben, David Robertson and Craig Conway in the summer.

Goodwillie’s departure was anticipated but Houston had initially expected to be able to bring in another striker, and he warned that expectations might have to change after being told by chairman Stephen Thompson there is no money to do so. “The fans will need to recognise that and certainly the board of directors will as well,” Houston said. “If I take three or four injuries to key players, and I’m talking experienced players, then we are going very, very young.

“However, I know the situation, if he has not got any money to give us, then fine. My expectation is still to try to get into the top six and that’s what we’ll be gunning for.”

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre praised former Queen of the South midfielder Burns after his goal made it consecutive wins for his side during their unbeaten start to life back in the SPL.

McIntyre said: “It’s his first goal for the club and I thought he was a real bundle of energy, the wee man, he was everywhere. He’s got great legs and enthusiasm and if you ask him to play anywhere, he will do it.

“I do believe we have goals in the team. We didn’t create numerous chances, but it was an exceptional performance defensive wise.”