St Mirren 0-1 Dundee United

Barry Robson (centre) won the game for Dundee United

Barry Robson played a captain's role for Dundee United with the winning goal that keeps St Mirren in relegation trouble in the Scottish Premier League.

United striker Noel Hunt went close with three early efforts, while Lee Wilkie denied the Buddies by heading an Ian Maxwell effort off the line.

Craig Conway and Robson both passed up chances after the break.

But Robson eventually won the game for United, sending a stunning 25-yard drive home after 78 minutes.

Interview: St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson

Interview: Dundee United Craig Levein

It was the Tayside side's first win in three games since knocking Saints out the Scottish Cup.

Former Clyde and United midfielder Stephen O'Donnell had been handed his debut for St Mirren as part of four changes as the Paisley side sought their first win since Boxing Day.

Maxwell, Alan Reid and John Potter also came into the team, with Andy Millen, Stewart Kean and Kevin McGowne dropping out, while Simon Lappin has since departed to Norwich.

Former Cowdenbeath midfielder Morgaro Gomis earned his United debut, while Hunt returned up front, with Collin Samuel and Jon Daly dropping to the bench.

St Mirren defender Kirk Broadfoot's wild volley from the edge of the area provided a rare moment of excitement during a scrappy opening 20 minutes.

Stephen O'Donnell (left) made his debut for St Mirren

O'Donnell then headed a yard over from Richard Brittain's free-kick.

And Mark Corcoran had a header blocked from a corner and seemed to be harshly penalised as he tried to beat Mark Kerr to the loose ball.

United's first decent attack came in the 29th minute, when Robson broke down the left and sent across a superb ball for Hunt.

The Irishman looked offside but he slid the ball wide at full stretch.

They combined again 90 seconds later, but Hunt's glancing header drifted just wide of the far post.

Hunt got the first effort on target in the 34th minute, but goalkeeper Chris Smith easily held his header from a Christian Kalvenes cross.

United defender Wilkie cleared off the line after Maxwell had headed Garry Brady's long free-kick goalwards.

At the other end, Robson beat Smith to Conway's cross, but his header cleared the bar.

And Conway fired another effort straight at the Well goalkeeper.

United's David Robertson was first to threaten after the break, firing a 25-yard drive wide.

Robson headed over from a Kalvenes cross and Robertson sent in another long-range effort that was this time held by Smith.

But Robson eventually made the breakthrough, firing into the top corner from long range, and a Smith save prevented Hunt adding a last-minute second.

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St Mirren: Smith, van Zanten, Broadfoot, Potter, Reid (Kean 64), Brittain, O'Donnell (McGinn 77), Maxwell, Brady, Corcoran (Burke 77), Sutton.
Subs Not Used: Hinchcliffe, Millen, Mackay, McKenna.

Booked: Broadfoot, van Zanten.

Dundee Utd: Stillie, Kalvenes, McCracken, Wilkie, Robson, Kerr, Conway (Robb 62), Dillon, Gomis (Samuel 67), Hunt, Robertson.
Subs Not Used: McLean, Daly, Duff, Kenneth, Watson.

Booked: Wilkie.

Goal: Robson 78.

Att: 3,849

Ref: M McCurry