Dundee 3-1 Dundee United

Dundee recorded their first derby win against Dundee United in over 10 years and are now two points behind the Tangerines in the Scottish Premiership.

United goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak's awful mistake allowed Greg Stewart's shot to squirm through his legs.

Nadir Ciftci's penalty had the visitors level instantly after Chris Erskine's effort struck Kevin Thomson's arm.

But Stewart twice delivered perfectly for James McPake and Paul Heffernan to net and put Dundee back in the top six.

People talk regularly about these clubs only being separated geographically by a few metres on Tannadice Street, well now it is just two points between them in the league.

Dundee are sixth on 44, while United - now 10 games without a win - are fourth on 46 points.

Jackie McNamara's side have only taken one point from the last 21 available and early signs did not suggest their luck would change against Paul Hartley's Dundee, who are still unbeaten at Dens Park in 2015.

Goalkeeper Cierzniak suffered drastic fortunes as he tried to execute a routine save from Stewart's fairly tame curled shot from 18 yards. Instead of smothering it, the Pole's technique was askew and the ball trickled through his legs and despairingly into the net.

The home crowd were ecstatic; Stewart simply astonished as he celebrated.

But two minutes later a controversial call by referee John Beaton changed the Dens Park faithful's cries from delight to derision.

Erskine's drive struck Thomson's elbow alright as the midfielder slid to try and block it, however the Dark Blues would argue there was no intention and no chance for Thomson to get out the way.

Ciftci did not care about the details, nonchalantly sending Scott Bain the wrong way and celebrating by blowing the Dundee goalkeeper some kisses - that earned him a yellow card.

Ciftci netted his 14th of the season from the penalty spot

Few have contributed more to Dundee's cause this impressive season than Stewart and it was the former Cowdenbeath striker's left-footed corner which McPake rose to head powerfully through the palms of Cierzniak.

The efficient Thomson had to be stationed correctly to clear Calum Butcher's header off the line as United sought another immediate leveller, then Aidan Connolly shot over and wide in quick succession.

Bain, days after signing a new contract until 2018, earned his wages by turning Butcher's low drive round the post before Stewart reinforced his growing list of credentials.

This time the 25-year-old - on 15 goals this season - provided a low, precise cross for Heffernan to convert his first Dundee goal in the simplest of fashion.

McPake (far right) headed Dundee into a 2-1 lead