Irons joy after Tannadice triumph

Irons was happy with his side's determination and spirit

Gretna manager David Irons saw his side ride their luck at times to come away from Tannadice with maximum points but hailed his team's battling spirit.

"I'm delighted and Christmas has come a bit early for us," he said after the club's first away win in the SPL.

"It wasn't pretty and I'm not going to stand here and say that we outplayed Dundee United.

"But we possibly outfought them, and I thought the resilience and attitude from the players was superb."

Interview: Gretna manager David Irons

This was the second time Gretna have defeated United this season, following their stunning 3-2 success at Fir Park in September.

The Premier League's bottom club have now taken four points from their last two games and Irons believes this badly-needed win will give his team huge boost.

He added: "This has given us a massive lift as it is the first time this season we have put together back-to-back positive results - a draw at Kilmarnock and then a victory at Tannadice."