Dundee United effectively secured the Championship title with a hard-fought victory over stubborn Ayr United.
Tannadice academy graduate Chris Mochrie climbed from the bench to net the only goal of the contest following some fine work by fellow substitute David Wotherspoon.
The youngster’s third strike of the season breached a laudable resistance from Ayr, who earlier saw Nick McAllister dismissed for an act of violent conduct.
Victory means Jim Goodwin’s men are de facto champions, returning to the top-flight at the first time of asking.
Although Raith Rovers could make up the six point deficit to United, the 36-goal margin in the Tangerines’ favour is insurmountable, meaning – 328 days after crashing to relegation at Fir Park – plans can be made for the Premiership.
United made two changes to the side that hammered Morton 4-1 last time out, with Jordan Tillson replacing the injured Ross Docherty and Miller Thomson coming in for Liam Grimshaw.
Declan Gallagher was back in the matchday squad following close to a month battling persistent groin and back niggles.
A first 45 minutes to forget
With the Tangerines looking to engineer a bright start, Kai Fotheringham lashed a speculative drive over the bar from distance and Glenn Middleton whipped a couple of threatening balls into the box.
It would prove as close as the hosts came during a flat, forgettable opening half-hour. Kurt Willoughby saw a shot deflected wide during a foray forward.
Another block was required to thwart Mark McKenzie following a fine run and delivery by the livewire Jamie Murphy.
United were inches away from breaking the deadlock as half-time approached.
Craig Sibbald, fresh from being named in PFA Scotland’s Championship team of the year, surged forward before unleashing a shot from the edge of the box, only for it to zip narrowly wide of the post.
Ayr were almost architects of their own downfall when George Stanger surrendered possession to Tony Watt just outside his own penalty area.
Watt slipped a pass to Tillson inside the box but, rather than shoot, he fed Fotheringham – in a less inviting position – and his shot was diverted over the bar. A missed opportunity.
Ayr United left seeing red
The attendance was confirmed as 10,025 and, with 243 away fans, this contest marked the largest gathering of home supporters at Tannadice all season.Â
They weren’t being given much to shout about.
However, the Tangerines were given a shot in the arm when McAllister was given his marching orders by referee Craig Napier after swinging a forearm into the face of Tillson near the touchline.
While not the most forceful contact, it was a moment of madness that gave the whistler a decision to make.
United almost took full advantage, but Louis Moult shot over the bar after a fine low delivery by Middleton. Coming alive, the Englishman – chasing his 20th goal of the season – nodded a decent chance narrowly wide.
The Terrors were beginning to turn the screw.
Magic Mochrie moment
Despite being down to 10 men, the Honest Men were showing hunger and organisation – and Ben Dempsey even fired a dangerous drive just over Jack Walton’s cross-bar. A warning.
United finally found a way through the massed ranks of white jerseys as two of Goodwin’s second-half calls paid dividends.
Wotherspoon, on for Tillson, surged down the right wing and produced a wonderful deep delivery for Watt. The striker’s header was only parried as far as another substitute, Mochrie, who tapped home.
The full-time whistle was met by a pitch invasion as delirious Arabs toasted their success.Â
Star man: Scott McMann (Dundee United)
Few truly stood out during a stodgy affair, but McMann was a constant threat down the left-flank.
He showcased energy, a willingness to bomb forward and delivered plenty of dangerous crosses.
Player ratings
Dundee United (4-4-2): Walton 6; Thomson 6, McClelland 7, Graham 6, McMann 7; Fotheringham 6 (Mochrie 75), Tillson 5 (Wotherspoon 67), Sibbald 7, Middleton 7; Watt 7, Moult 6 (Grimshaw 86). Subs not used: Newman, Meekison, MacLeod, Cudjoe, Gallagher, Cleall-Harding.
Ref: Craig Napier
Att: 10,025 (243 away)
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