It is an old cliché now but Saturday showed once again that there are simply no easy games in the Scottish Championship.
Dumbarton may have only won one match in the league this season before arriving at Tannadice – ironically against United – but the part-time side were no pushovers and made it as difficult as possible for the Tangerines.
The opener was certainly a sickener from a Sons point of view with Mark Docherty under little pressure when he headed past his own keeper.
When United scored their second through William Edjenguele, it seemed certain there would only be one winner but there were some nerves when Robert Thomson pulled one back.
However, United ultimately secured all three points to move them up to second in the Championship.
Ray McKinnon’s side may not have hit the heights in terms of performance against Dumbarton but their patience and perseverance paid off in the end.
Those qualities will be vital as the season progresses, especially at home when the opposition come determined to sit in and frustrate.
Another quality that skipper Willo Flood touched on is the ability to grind out victories, something United had to do against Dumbarton.
Having now won three games on the bounce, the Tangerines can welcome Falkirk to Tannadice on Saturday in confident frame of mind.
Peter Houston’s Bairns triumphed in the first game between the sides last month and this weekend’s meeting should show just how far McKinnon’s men have progressed since that defeat.
