Dundee United 4-0 St Mirren

Nadir Ciftci netted twice as Dundee United beat St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

The striker latched on to a long ball to fire United into the lead and then doubled the hosts' advantage from the spot after winning a penalty.

Ryan Gauld threatened twice as the visitors continued to struggle.

And both Gauld and Tangerines substitute Chris Erskine added their names to the scoresheet in the second half with long-range efforts.

The win moves Jackie McNamara's side up to fifth in the division. St Mirren slip to second bottom, albeit with a 15-point cushion over Hearts.

The Paisley side had travelled to Tannadice off the back of two straight wins but seldom looked like extending that run against an impressive United side.

Marian Kello, making his debut in goal for St Mirren after joining on a short-term deal, watched an early free-kick from Ciftci whistle past the post.

But the striker did find the net after outmuscling two defenders to reach John Rankin's pass and force the ball past Kello.

Ciftci was then fouled in the box by Sean Kelly and confidently fired home from 12 yards.

Gauld scored Dundee United's third at Tannadice

Gauld was unsuccessful with a couple of efforts in the run up to half-time but was not to be denied after the break.

The midfielder received Ciftci's pass and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner from outside the penalty area.

That goal followed what had been a positive spell from the Buddies at the start of the second half.

But Danny Lennon's men soon found themselves under continued pressure as Dundee United looked to add further goals, Kello blocking an effort from Brian Graham in one attack.

Steven Thompson had a chance to reduce the visitors' deficit but took the ball too far after rounding keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak and Andrew Robertson cleared for the hosts.

Ryan Dow set up fellow substitute Chris Erskine to fire United's fourth in the closing stages.