article_snippet.sent: In front of a sell-out crowd, Dundee United started well with midfielder Jim McAlister trying midfielder Jim McAlister luck early on with a 25-yard snap-shot on midfielder Jim McAlister left-foot which Radoslaw Cierzniak in the visitor’s goal held.
article_snippet.sent: United's reply was a sweeping move involving Paul Dixon and Chris Erskine who, in turn, fed Ciftci - but Paul Dixon low shot was saved by Scott Bain.
article_snippet.sent: However, Dundee United broke the deadlock in the 14th minute through Stewart.
article_snippet.sent: The lead, however, was short-lived as United levelled two minutes later.
article_snippet.sent: However, Dundee United regained the lead in the 23rd minute when Stewart's corner was met by McPake, who rose above Jaroslaw Fojut head past Dundee Utd goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak from six yards.
article_snippet.sent: As the half-hour mark approached, United came close to equalising when Aidan Connolly jinked in from the left before unleashing a venomous shot which Scott Bain was relieved to see clear his crossbar.
article_snippet.sent: The Tangerines were desperate for an equaliser before the break and in the 35th minute Dixon's whipped cross was met by Connolly - but Connolly left-foot effort went wide.
article_snippet.sent: Dundee Utd's Chris Erskine goes down under a challenge from Stephen McGinn during the Dundee United derby .
article_snippet.sent: United attempted to step up a gear and John Rankin's 56th-minute shot was deflected just wide by Stewart for a corner.
article_snippet.sent: At the other end, Dundee United's Paul McGowan released Stephen McGinn down the right and Dundee's Paul McGowan picked out Heffernan - but the striker mishit John Rankin's 56th-minute shot and the chance was not taken.
article_snippet.sent: Dundee's Paul McGowan almost made it 4-1with 10 minutes of the contest remaining, only for Cierzniak to defy Skipper Thomson with a fingertip save from Skipper Thomson header.