Krisztian Keresztes scores for Dundee United against LivingstonImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Krisztian Keresztes (second from left) brought the hosts level

At a glance

  • Pittman strike after Dundee United error gives Livingston deserved first-half lead

  • Keresztes levels as hosts improve in second half

  • Prior saves keep Livi level

Krisztian Keresztes' first goal for Dundee United secured a Scottish Premiership point and extended Livingston's winless run to seven games.

Stevie May punished a Bert Esselink mistake to set up Scott Pittman for a deserved opener.

United improved after the break and Keresztes struck following a free-kick.

Livi had threatened early on through Lewis Smith and May tested goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko from distance. A late cross from Mahamadou Susoho clipped Kucherenko's crossbar.

United's Luca Stephenson and Vicko Sevelj, twice, had shots blocked at 1-1.

Jim Goodwin's side are fourth in the table, with Livi 10th, though those positions may change depending on the weekend's remaining fixtures.

Watch: Dundee United v Livingston - Sportscene highlights

04/10/25

Analysis: United wake up after May masterclass

Having worked tirelessly up front and been denied a couple of times in last weekend's defeat by Rangers, May was selected again as Livingston's main point of attack - and he delivered.

The striker chased down Esselink as the defender tried to usher the ball back to Kucherenko and pounced when Esselink's pass was short. Pittman was the beneficiary, receiving May's pass and finishing into a largely unguarded net as Kucherenko had come off his line.

But it was not just with the goal that May made his presence felt. The striker set the example with Livingston's high press, often giving the United defence a torrid time.

Livingston were forced into a first-half change when wide man Smith was withdrawn, striker Tete Yengi coming on. Yet Livingston maintained May as the lead front man, recognising how well it was working.

That was until half-time, when United made some tweaks of their own. Manager Goodwin had gone from a back three to a back four in the first half, replacing Iurie Iovu with Julius Eskesen, and Craig Sibbald and Amar Fatah's half-time introductions gave the hosts more attacking impetus.

They got a bit of a break with the leveller, Keresztes' wayward shot finding the net when it could really have gone anywhere.

Nevertheless, attack proved the best form of defence for United - so much so that May was substituted - and the hosts ended up with the point their second-half showing deserved.

Livingston forward Stevie May's touch map against Dundee UnitedImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Stevie May's touch map at Tannadice

What they said

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "The second 45, obviously was a lot better in terms of our all-round play, possession, getting into dangerous areas. We started a little bit slow. It's another horrendous goal against. A really poor mistake.

"We had 19 or 20 attempts on goal and just couldn't find the winner, unfortunately, when we were on top. It's probably a better point for Livingston than ourselves. It's another point on the board but yeah, a major disappointment."

Livingston manager David Martindale: "First half, we were very, very good. Second half, Dundee United, they kind of pinned us in a wee bit. We could've done a wee bit better on the counter. Overall, a point was probably fair for both teams.

"We got a lot right in the first half. The weather probably made it difficult for Dundee United. The home team changing their shape is testament to us."

What's next for these teams?

Dundee United resume their Scottish Premiership programme after the international break with an away game against Rangers on Saturday, 18 October (15:00 BST).

Livingston visit Hibernian in the league in two weeks' time (15:00).

Where next?

Player of the match

Number: 21 L. Stephenson
Average rating 7.75
Number: 21 L. Stephenson
Average Rating: 7.75
Number: 5 V. Ševelj
Average Rating: 7.58
Number: 17 A. Fatah
Average Rating: 7.58
Number: 14 C. Sibbald
Average Rating: 7.58
Number: 11 W. Ferry
Average Rating: 7.50
Number: 10 J. Eskesen
Average Rating: 7.25
Number: 9 Z. Sapsford
Average Rating: 7.08
Number: 7 K. Trapanovski
Average Rating: 6.73
Number: 77 N. Möller
Average Rating: 6.67
Number: 1 Y. Kucherenko
Average Rating: 6.62
Number: 23 K. Keresztes
Average Rating: 6.54
Number: 19 I. Dolček
Average Rating: 6.42
Number: 8 Panutche Camará
Average Rating: 6.17
Number: 3 B. Esselink
Average Rating: 5.17
Number: 22 D. Naamo
Average Rating: 5.00
Number: 4 I. Iovu
Average Rating: 4.75

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.