Dundee United took a major step toward sealing a top-six Scottish Premiership spot with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ross County.
Defender Ross Graham provided the decisive moment, heading home from a second-half corner to end United’s seven-game winless streak in the league.
Both sides had chances in an even first half, with Luca Stephenson missing a golden opportunity for the visitors and Alex Samuel going close for County.
But after a cagey opening 73 minutes, Graham made his presence felt, rising above Jonathan Tomkinson to meet Strain’s pinpoint delivery—just minutes after narrowly missing an identical chance.
United then pushed for a second, with Louis Moult and Sam Dalby both testing County’s backline, but strong defending and goalkeeping kept the deficit to one.
County’s Top-Six Hopes Fade, Focus Shifts to Survival
Ross County needed a result to keep their top-six aspirations alive, but defeat leaves them with a near-impossible task.
With just two games left before the split—against Aberdeen and St Mirren—Don Cowie’s side must now focus on avoiding another relegation play-off battle.
They remain four points clear of Dundee in 11th and 11 ahead of bottom spot, but familiar end-of-season nerves are creeping in once again.
United Eye European Return
For Dundee United, this was a vital win at the perfect time. Sitting comfortably in fifth, they are now just two points behind Aberdeen in fourth and three adrift of Hibernian in third.
With top-six football all but secured, Jim Goodwin’s men can shift their focus to chasing a European spot.