Dundee United roared off the foot of the Premiership with a comprehensive 4-0 triumph over drop-zone rivals Kilmarnock.
The Tangerines broke the deadlock courtesy of Kieran Freeman’s first ever league goal on home soil; a magic moment for the academy graduate.
Jamie McGrath and Glenn Middleton gave the hosts a handsome 3-0 advantage at the break.
Any doubt regarding the outcome was quashed in the second half when Dylan Levitt celebrated his Wales World Cup call by lashing home a second goal in two games.
A virtuoso half-hour
Given the stakes — the nerve-shredding context for a team three points adrift at the foot of the table prior to kick-off — United’s first-half showing was outstanding.
Fox’s charges were calm, composed, but also managed to attack with tempo and incisiveness.
That was underlined by their opener.
Graham lashed a wonderful cross field diagonal to send Freeman scampering though on goal, holding off a powderpuff challenge from Jordan Jones before firing home.
The Tangerines made their dominance pay by doubling their advantage through McGrath.
Steven Fletcher — terrific throughout — won a flick-on from a Mark Birighitti clearance, allowing McGrath to help it on for Middleton. Although the winger’s shot was saved by Zach Hemming, the Ireland international prodded home the rebound.
A dream first period was completed after 30 minutes when Middleton curled home a sumptuous free-kick from the edge of the box following a Liam Donnelly foul.
Although Inness Cameron saw a headed effort strike the post — a warning across the Terrors’ bows — their half-time lead was richly merited.
Ross Graham and Edwards
There was not a failure in the United team but, while it may seem peculiar after a four goal win, Ross Graham’s performance deserves to be highlighted.
The Scotland under-21 international made the most of his first start in more than a month, dominating in the air, showing strength in the tackle and — perhaps most impressively — zipping incisive passes into the final third.
Graham’s presence also brought the best out of Ryan Edwards (and vice-versa), with the Tangerines skipper imperious in the air. The Liverpudlian stopper made 11 clearances during the match — more than DOUBLE any other player in the pitch.
There was no sense of panic after the break; no sense that the Terrors might collapse. Professional and solid. Real progress.
A dream night for Dylan Levitt
At 7pm, Levitt was officially named in the Wales squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
A lifelong dream realised for the former Manchester United star.
And the silky Welshman played like a man on cloud nine. He barely misplaced a passed, snapped into tackles and covered the ground with aplomb.
He capped a super display with a delightful curled finish from the edge of the box, notching his second goal in two games following an excellent cut-back from McGrath.
An audacious pirouette near his own corner flag late in the game, to raucous whoops and cheers, added a little style to the substance.
Levitt has responded to a motivational nudge from Fox in the best possible manner and he deserves 99% of the credit for that.
But the United head coach merits some kudos for what appear to have been perfectly judged comments.
One last push
Not only did United emerge victorious, but they did so with a sufficient winning margin to usurp Kilmarnock and leap off the foot of the table.
Only on goal difference, granted, but a psychological boost nonetheless.
Fox can now take his side up to Pittodrie, facing an Aberdeen team they beat 4-0 in September, with some tentative momentum — a modicum of pressure relieved.
And with Kilmarnock hosting Hibernian and Ross County facing an onerous trip to Celtic Park, there is still a chance to reach the World Cup break with a semblance of positivity from an otherwise lamentable opening half of the campaign.
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