Dundee United 1-1 Dumbarton

James Keatings scored his second goal of the season

James Keatings scored three minutes from time to prevent pre-season Championship favourites Dundee United slumping to a home defeat by Dumbarton.

David Smith had fired the part-time visitors into the lead after only five minutes at Tannadice.

Keatings' late reply meant United avoided back-to-back league defeats, but the booing from their fans at full time told a story.

The Sons lie third bottom after avoiding a third straight league loss.

Stevie Aitken's visitors meant business right from the start and a cross from Tom Walsh skimmed off the head of United defender Paul Quinn and Smith got the better of Jamie Robson at the back post to prod the ball into the net.

The response from the home team was low key. Their only first half threat on Scott Gallacher's goal came from Dutch midfielder Jordie Briels, who rounded the Dumbarton goalkeeper but fired wide from a tight angle.

David Smith opened the scoring for Dumbarton at Tannadice

United showed more desire in the second half and piled on the pressure.

Paul McMullan missed a sitter when he headed over from a Billy King cross.

Dumbarton came close to increasing their lead when a long-range strike from Walsh was tipped on to the crossbar by United goalkeeper Harry Lewis.

Ray MacKinnon's team salvaged a point three minutes from time when substitute Keatings curled in a brilliant free kick from a couple of yards outside the penalty box.

United lie fourth, two points behind new leaders St Mirren.