Craig Sibbald rescued a draw for Dundee United in a scrappy contest at Kilmarnock as both sides continue to search for a Scottish Premiership win.
Read the full match report here.
Have your say on the game via this link.
Image source, SNSDundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "I thought the game panned out pretty much how we had prepared for it.
"Kilmarnock had been on a poor run, we knew they were going to be scrapping and fighting for every ball. I thought there wasn't a great deal between the teams in the first half. I thought we were a lot better in the second half and had a lot more control in the game and played a lot more of it in Kilmarnock's territory but unfortunately for all the good we were lacking in that little bit of quality and we probably didn't test the Kilmarnock goalkeeper enough in terms of shots on target.
"We showed good character to come back from a really disappointing decision for the penalty kick that went against us. We never gave up, scored a good equalising goal and tried to go and win the game. I think we had the better of the game, had that poor decision not gone against us I'd have been happy standing here having ground out a very scrappy 1-0 win.
"I spoke to the referee at half-time, he felt there was a clear push in the back. I can't believe there is a manager in the country that wants to see those types of penalties given against their defenders.
"We're heading down a slippery slope if we're going to start awarding penalty kicks for those types of contact in the box. The other frustration for me is I don't understand why the referee wasn't called over to look at the monitor. Had Matthew McDermid had the opportunity to watch it back I think he would have changed his decision.
"We didn't gift Kilmarnock any opportunities, we defended the box really well. Their delivery from corners were excellent, their long throws, I think we defended it all really well. I thought over the balance of play, the dangerous territory we had, we just shaded the game and should be standing here having won an ugly 1-0 victory."
Image source, SNSDundee United striker Max Watters insists there are "no alarm bells" at Tannadice despite their recent poor run of form.
After a solid start to the season the Tangerines have dropped to seventh in the Scottish Premiership, having won just one of their past seven matches.
They were beaten 3-0 by Falkirk last time out and are hoping to stop the rot at struggling Kilmarnock on Saturday.
"No alarm bells for us," Watters said. "We know what we can do, we know our ability, we know how good we are as a team when we are all working together and working hard.
"We need to show a reaction [to last week], we need to show the fans that we are going to turn it back around and show them a really good performance tomorrow and I think that is what we will definitely do.
"If you look at the big games we have played in the European competition and then the bigger teams in the league, you can see we have put in big performances and we can compete with any team in this league."
Watters, 26, made an instant impact after arriving on a season-long loan from Barnsley, scoring four goals in the early part of the season before being sidelined for three months with a hamstring injury.
After making his return off the bench during the defeat by Falkirk, Watters is hoping to pick up where he left off before his spell out.
"I have been back training for two weeks now so it feels really good," he said. "It was a few months out which was quite tough to mentally get through, but I am through the other side now.
"It was really frustrating, I got off to a good start, the same as the team and then picked up that injury which put me out for three months but back now and I am going to try and do what I did before I got injured and show everyone what I can do."
Image source, SNSKilmarnock have an unchanged squad. Kyle Magennis has undergone knee surgery and remains out along with Max Stryjek (medical issue), Jamie Brandon (ankle/groin), Djenairo Daniels (knee) and Matty Kennedy (hip).
Dundee United trio Ross Graham, Max Watters and Ryan Strain are pushing for involvement with Isaac Pappoe (knee) the only absentee.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee United manager Jim Goodwin has had a "good conversation" with under-fire goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko and believes the Ukrainian has the determination and resilience to get through his "difficult period".
Kucharenko - who tops the Scottish Premiership own goal chart with three - cut a dejected figure following an error-strewn display in last weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Falkirk.
"I have had a good conversation in the office at the beginning of the week just to let him know we are all with him and that we understand what he is going through at the moment and he has got the full support and backing of all the staff and players," Goodwin said.
"It is a test of character, you have got to show real determination to come through those difficult moments, you need resilience and I believe Kucherenko has got that."
Goodwin would not disclose whether Kucherenko or Dave Richards will start in goal for Saturday's league trip to Kilmarnock.
"Making these difficult decisions is what I am paid to do and time will tell whether I decide to keep him in or make the change," Goodwin said. "I am not going to give too much away prior to the game.
"We have got an experienced number two there in Dave Richards, we have deliberately built the squad this way in case of any injury, suspension or poor form that we can make a change if necessary.
"Dave is champing at the bit for an opportunity so time will tell tomorrow whether he gets that or not."
United are looking to end a disappointing run of just one win in their past seven league games, against a Killie side that are on a six-match losing run.
"I can imagine things aren't too bubbly in the Kilmarnock dressing room at the moment so we have to try and use that to push us on to try and keep the pressure on them.
"I am not concerned at all, we are not a million miles off the points total we had this time last season. The league is really competitive and all teams go through little dips in form throughout the course of the campaign.
"I have got great confidence and great belief in this group of players. They have shown numerous times this year they are capable of beating any team - we just have to make sure we do that on a consistent basis."
George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSMuch of the focus in recent weeks has been on Kilmarnock boss Stuart Kettlewell, given their six consecutive defeats and slide down the table.
They welcome Dundee United to Rugby Park on Saturday, who are themselves winless in three outings and in need of a confidence-boosting result and performance after a 3-0 defeat by Falkirk last weekend.
Manager Jim Goodwin has selection headaches aplenty, not least in goal after Yevhen Kucherenko was at fault for all three concessions against the Bairns.
Midfielder Panutche Camara could be back in contention after missing the loss against Falkirk to attend the birth of his child. He has impressed since signing from Crawley Town in the summer.
United could need all of his battling qualities if they are to take points away from something of a bogey ground.
They are winless in seven top-flight trips to Rugby Park since a 4-2 victory in May 2016 and have only won once on the road in the league this season.
Goodwin could do with changing both of those statistics on Saturday as his side try to reel in the sides in the top half.
Read all the weekend Premiership picks
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSDundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Scottish Premiership trip to Kilmarnock.
Here are the key lines:
Goodwin has had a "good conversation" with goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko - who endured an error-strewn display in the 3-0 defeat to Falkirk - "to let him know we are all with him and that we understand what he is going through at the moment".
The United boss adds: "It is a test of character, you have to show real determination to come through those difficult moments. You need resilience and I believe Kucherenko has got that."
On whether understudy Dave Richards may start this weekend, he said they are lucky to have two experienced keepers to chose from, adding: "Dave is chomping at the bit for an opportunity so time will tell tomorrow whether he gets that or not."
Goodwin is "not concerned" at all by United's form - one win in seven games - and says they are "not a million miles" off the points total at this stage last season, insisting every team goes through dips.
He adds: "I have great confidence and great belief in this group of players."
On the challenge they face from Kilmarnock, who have lost six in a row: "However low we felt after the Falkirk game I can imagine things aren't too bubbly within the Kilmarnock dressing room at the moment."
He wants United to "utilise" that and "keep the pressure" on Killie.
United are determined to make amends for last week and Goodwin admits the result is "going to be huge for both teams".
There are no fresh United injuries.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock have won four of their past six Scottish Premiership games against Dundee United (D2), including the latest two in a row, last winning three in succession against the Tangerines in the top flight in February 2002 under Bobby Williamson.
Dundee United are winless in seven Scottish Premiership away games at Kilmarnock (D3 L4) since a 4-2 victory in May 2016.
Kilmarnock have lost their past six league games, the latest three of which have been by 2+ goals. Killie last lost four consecutive Scottish Premiership matches by a 2+ goal margin in November 2014 – the fourth of which was against Dundee United (3-1).
Dundee United have only won one of their past seven league games (D3 L3), and have also only one once in six away matches in the Premiership this season (D4 L1).
After losing his first three top-flight games against Dundee United as a manager from August 2020 to April 2023, Kilmarnock's Stuart Kettlewell has since won his past four league games against them (three with Motherwell, one with Killie).
Image source, SNSWe asked you whether Dundee United should drop error-prone goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko.
Here's what some of you said:
Sean: We cant keep doing the same thing expecting a different result. He needs to be taken out of the firing line and allowed to reset. Perhaps a goalkeeper will be crucial in the January window?
Logan: Jim Goodwin has to drop Kucherenko for the next game against Kilmarnock. His confidence will be very low after the weekend's performance. He keeps making the same mistake every week. Just catch the ball, it's not that hard.
Oleksa: Dave Richards has never been given a chance but I don't think he is solution - Ruairidh Adams may be in the future. In the meantime there is a huge dilemma as there also is with the back three or four or five - ultimately it's down to management decisions. I would stick with Yevhen for next game.
Graeme: Got to change keepers surely? A player would be dropped for making these mistakes. However, I'm not convinced Richards is the solution unfortunately. Could be a long time until January when we surely need to get a keeper in.
Kris: I'd honestly call Adams back from East Fife. Richards isn't much better than Kucherenko so get the young lad back from East Fife and play him.
Derek: His confidence is shattered and the manager needs to bench him. Dave Richards is an able deputy as he showed last year.
Calum: I feel for Kucherenko - he's obviously not making these mistakes on purpose - but he needs a spell on the bench. Richards hasn't played a lot but that goes with the territory of being a No.2. As does stepping up when the No.1 needs a break.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSJim Goodwin has several problems to deal with at faltering Dundee United – but solving the goalkeeping issue is arguably his most pressing.
Replacing the reliable Jack Walton during the summer was always going to be a big challenge and Yevhen Kucherenko has struggled to convince.
The 26-year-old Ukrainian is the last line of a United rearguard that has been leaking goals and has kept just two clean sheets in 12 league games.
Of course that isn't all down to the keeper, but he cut a crestfallen figure following an error-strewn display in the 3-0 home defeat to Falkirk last time out.
Having punched into his own net against the Bairns, Kucherenko has the ignominy of topping the Scottish Premiership own goal chart, with three.
He has also made two errors leading to goals - only Livingston's Jerome Prior has more in the Premiership - and has the second-most drops (four) as well as the second-lowest save percentage of top-flight keepers who have made at least five appearances this season.
While not quite Mark Birighitti levels of calamity yet, is it time for Kucherenko to be taken out of the firing line?
Dropping him sounds straightforward, but what impact would that have on the confidence of a player still finding his feet in Scotland?
Alternatively, if he keeps playing and gets through this bumpy period, it could be the making of him.
The only other senior goalkeeping option United have is 31-year-old Dave Richards. However, the Welshman hasn't played a lot of football over the last few seasons.
He has played once for United B this term – in a 6-0 Challenge Cup defeat to Inverness CT – and there were only four appearances last term.
The season before that Richards was on loan at St Johnstone where he failed to make a first-team appearance.
So, stick or twist – the manager must decide.
United fans, what would you do? Persevere with Kucherenko or give Richards a chance? Let us know here.
Paul McNicoll
Fan writer
It has taken a while, and nothing is set in stone yet, but the league table is starting to look less like a mystery novel and more like an uncomfortable reality.
Unfortunately, United aren't exactly giving off top-six vibes.
Six home games played. Seven points collected. That's not a fortress, that's an open door policy with complimentary tea and biscuits for visiting teams.
When you've sold record numbers of season tickets, the last thing you want is your own stadium to feel like a neutral venue with better pies.
If we're serious about finishing top six and flirting with Europe, the home form needs fixed. Urgently, not eventually, not "after the international break", but now.
This team has shown it can be good. It has also shown it can look like it met for the first time in the car park.
Somewhere in between lies competence, and the manager's job is to find it before we collectively lose the will to live.
It might be time to give a few regular starters a well-earned rest on the bench and freshen things up, especially at the back.
Twenty goals conceded and barely a defensive tweak? At this point even the kitman deserves a run at centre-half and let's not get me started on the goalkeeper.
Next up: Kilmarnock away. A ground we hate. A manager we can't seem to outsmart. A team on a six-game losing streak. So naturally, what could possibly go wrong?
Paul McNicoll can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external
Watch the Sportscene panel analyse Dundee United's defensive performance in their 3-0 defeat to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.
Watch all the highlights from Falkirk's 3-0 win over Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.
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United fans, we asked for your views on Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Falkirk.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Garry: I feel for the guy but we need to take the goalkeeper out of the team and give Dave Richards a shot. He is not filling anyone with confidence and I'm pretty sure that defence is not helping his confidence levels either.
Jim: Unfathomable that the manager should be using the same tactics employed against Hearts at Tynecastle, against Falkirk at Tannadice! Too much worrying about our opponents rather than have them worry about us. Furthermore, the defence has been leaking goals all season - coaching obviously isn't making any difference, so why hasn't there been changes to the personnel? Our young Scottish player, Sam Cleall-Harding, must get his chance alongside Ross Graham.
Scott: Poor all over from United, players and management. Yevhen Kucherenko must be dropped now, costing us too many points. As much as United were a shambles, Falkirk and their supporters were absolutely brilliant from start to finish. A credit to the league.
Niall: United's back three were awful. Out of position, chasing shadows and clueless in the transition. Ivan Dolcek needs to re-prove himself. He made far too many poor passes in midfield and was deservedly pulled.
Jamie: The Jim Goodwin out sentiment is building. He doesn't know how to set out a team unless it's against a squad who are superior to us and will dominate the ball. Has no clue how to take the game to teams without being exposed at the back on the counter. Superb from Falkirk, nine Scots in their starting team unless I'm mistaken. Very impressive.
Shaun: Goodwin talks a good game but I think he's a certain level of manager because any proper manager, at home, with some of the players we have would attack against teams like Falkirk, Kilmarnock and Livingston, yet they all coming to Tannadice and totally outplaying us. Really worried for us now because we are really bad.
Falkirk took advantage of a mistake-ridden performance by Dundee United goalkeeper Yevhen Kucharenko to claim a surprisingly comfortable Scottish Premiership win at Tannadice.
Image source, SNSDundee United manager Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "Quite simply not good enough. It's very hard for me to put my finger on why we got that type of performance.
"The build up to the game, all week, was trying to replicate the performance at Tynecastle. We went with the same formation, the same game plan. The changes didn't weaken the team by any stretch.
"Even taking the goals out of it, Falkirk were the better team all over the park. They defended better than we did, they picked up far more second balls, they carried a real threat going forward. All things I expect from my team.
"It was nowhere near the level we expect from this group. We felt that we took a step forward at Hearts. Today, it feels like we've taken a couple of steps back.
"We've not given ourselves a chance today, to grow into the game. We know how important the opening is to any game. It's frantic and hectic but we don't give ourselves a chance due to the manner of the first two goals we concede.
"The third goal completely kills us off. Again, a shambles at the back. All over the place. Centre-back stepping into midfield when he needs to hold his position, the goalkeeper is caught between a rock and a hard place."
Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald, 30, will never give up on his dream of breaking into the Scotland team. (The Courier - subscription required), external
Image source, SNSDundee United quartet Craig Sibbald, Ryan Strain, Ross Graham and Max Watters are all back in contention after injuries, so Isaac Pappoe (knee) is the only definite absentee.
Falkirk striker Ross McIver has had ankle surgery, while Lewis Neilson (ankle), Coll Donaldson (abdomen), Tom Lang (foot) and Aidan Nesbitt (foot) remain on the sidelines.
Image source, SNSSummer signing Max Watters has been out for over three months
Jim Goodwin is delighted his Dundee United squad emerges from the international break in stronger shape as he welcomes back three long-term absentees against Falkirk this weekend.
Defender Ross Graham could make his first appearance of the season while full-back Ryan Strain, who has played just twice, and striker Max Watters, who has been out since August, are also set to return.
"The break came at a really good time for us because going into the Hearts game we were so short on numbers with the the injuries that we had but some of them weren't serious injuries," said manager Goodwin.
"I'm glad to see that those guys have recovered now. We've Craig Sibbald back in the squad, Ross Graham, Max Watters, you know Ryan Strain is back in among it as well.
"So we've got a far healthier group of players to choose from now this weekend against Falkirk which is important because we're coming into a really busy schedule.
"In December, I think we've got seven games and you need to have the full complement of players available during those difficult moments.
"So, it's going to be real competition for places, but great options for me as a manager to have."
United play their first home match in three league fixtures and Goodwin is welcoming the return to Tannadice.
"We know that Saturday's going to be a difficult fixture but with a good home support behind us, back at Tannadice, then it always gives us a big lift," he added.
"We're the home team so the onus is on us to take the game to Falkirk, get the supported excited early doors, try and get an early goal. That would be nice because it's not something we've done of late."
