Dundee are working like Trojans as Edward Ofere is twice crowded out by a cluster of determined defenders inside the penalty area.

Last change for United and the three central defenders remain as midfield dynamo John Rankin scuttles off to be replaced by Simon Murray.

Edward Ofere is making his considerable presence felt in attack for United and he gets a header on target from a corner, drawing a fantastic reflex save from David Mitchell right on the line.

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller can't believe that United are still playing with three central defenders against 10 men.

A change up top for United as Henri Anier makes way for Edward Ofere. Big man for a big man...

Henri Anier leaps for a Blair Spittal cross but cannot connect, it drops for Billy McKay, who takes a touch but the ball gets away from him and his second attempt is a fresh-air swipe right in front of goal.

10-man Dundee are sitting deeper and deeper as United pour forward but new goalie David Mitchell is yet to get his gloves dirty.

A change for United as Scott Fraser replaces Ryan Dow in the United midfield. Dow doesn't look happy as he takes his seat in the dugout.

Groans of frustration from the home fans as Ryan Dow gets to the byline and, with three of four team-mates screaming for the ball in the box, hammers a cross high over everyone and out of play.

We're all set for a fascinating 35 minutes as Blair Spittal crashes a wild shot high over the target as United drive at depleted Dundee. 

And Scott Bain walks!

David Mitchell is the replacement goalie, with Nicky Low going off. Another sub is subbed!

Lifeline for Dundee United as Billy McKay is upended by keeper Scott Bain.

Martin Burke: Think 43 points may be needed to get in the top 6. Probably the same point total needed for top 10 finish at end of season #bbcsportscot

The United fans are a bit flat. All the noise is coming from the blue end of the ground. It's up to the home side to give their followers something to cheer.

Here we go for the second half!

Is there any hope for the home side? Dundee are playing with an improvised defence following injuries to Kostadin Gadzhalov and Thomas Konrad, so surely United have to throw everything at them in the second half.

There's a guy called Jim Spence making a guest appearance on BBC Radio Scotland's coverage from Tannadice. He sounds very familiar but I can't quite remember where I've heard him before...

"The United heads have gone down," he says. "The defence is too fragile."