Dundee United 2-1 Dunfermline Athletic

Two goals from Scott Fraser - the first via this free-kick - sent Dundee United to the top of the Scottish Championship

Scott Fraser's double propelled Dundee United to the top of the Scottish Championship, beating promotion rivals Dunfermline Athletic.

Fraser's opened the scoring with a 15th-minute free-kick, and netted again on the stroke of half-time.

Declan McManus got one back for the Pars from the penalty spot with 25 minutes to play.

But United prevailed, and St Mirren's home loss to Dumbarton means they usurp the Buddies in top spot.

Both sides harbour aspirations of promotion to the top flight, and early chances for the Terrors' Sam Stanton then Kallum Higginbotham of the visitors set the tone for an entertaining affair.

United though slowly began to gain control in the midfield area with Fraser and Billy King in particular beginning to threaten.

The hugely experienced Scott McDonald spurned a golden opportunity from six yards out when he delayed his shot with the goal gaping.

But United finally made the breakthrough after a terrific piece of skill by Fraser.

The attacker curled a 22-yard free-kick around the Dunfermline wall and into the top corner for a lead the hosts deserved.

Scott Fraser doubled his - and United's - tally before half-time

Two minutes later the Pars were almost level, McManus bursting down the left flank, with his cross to the back post turned just over the crossbar by the arriving Higginbotham.

Lee Ashcroft then tested Harry Lewis in the home goal, who held the defender's effort at the second attempt.

As the clock ticked towards half-time United scored a crucial second. Fraser collected a throw-in on the left and ghosted through the Dunfermline defence before sliding the ball in at the far post. A clinical finish by the best player on show.

And only a terrific safe by Dunfermline goalkeeper Sean Murdoch denied the 22-year-old a first-half a hat-trick. A terrific run and shot looked net-bound before Murdoch dived high to his left to parry the ball away.

Pars boss Allan Johnston replaced Higginbotham with Fraser Aird and the former Rangers midfielder played a major part in reducing the deficit.

Aird waltzed past four defenders in a mazy 30-yard run before he was pulled back by Jamie Robson. Referee Euan Anderson pointed to the spot and McManus fired home to give the large group of travelling fans hope.

As hard as they tried, there was to be no way through the United rearguard, as the Tannadice side head to the Championship summit.