Dundee United bounced back strongly to put second-top Motherwell to the sword at Fir Park.
The United players were still hurting after being hit for six by Celtic at the weekend and they certainly made amends with a performance full of attacking swagger and a determined defensive defiance.
Johnny Russell was the hero, netting the only goal of the game with the result taking the Tangerines to within just four points of second placed Motherwell.
United boss Jackie McNamara admitted he was delighted with the victory as well as the clean sheet.
He said: “I thought we were a constant threat and it was a good team performance tonight. I thought we were excellent.
“The players we have at our disposal, like Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong and Johnny Russell are fantastic talents.
“I said before the game that clean sheets will win football matches because we have dangerous players.
“It is the case that we have to defend well as a team not just the back four. I think our midfield helped out tremendously tonight with blocks and putting their bodies on the line.”
“John Rankin took one in the head at a free-kick as well.It was a massive three points for us and it was a great response from the players after what happened on Saturday.
“It was great for the fans as well. Motherwell are a good side and they have players that can hurt you, like Michael Higdon.
“But I thought we handled them really well.I felt we were a wee bit too deep at times but that was just the way the game was.
“But our keeper didn’t have a lot of saves to make, whereas theirs was man of the match.”
For the full match report see Wednesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.