Dundee United’s mini-slump continue as they were 1-0 losers to Kilmarnock, their fourth defeat in five league games.

It took it’s time coming but eventually Derek McInnes’ men found a way, Marley Watkins leaping higher than Jack Walton to head in the opener. However there were complaints from United that in doing so Watkins had committed a foul but the goal stood following a VAR check.

United will no doubt come to regret not seizing the opportunities they did have in front of goal, Kevin Holt’s accidental touch in the box came close but failed to hit the target.

Responding to the pressure in equal measure Joe Wright saw his effort well saved by Walton in the first half.

Fraser Murray was far less accurate with his header from Danny Armstrong’s cross, sending the effort well over the bar.

Wasting arguably their biggest chance of the night was Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson when presented with a three on two saw his pass far too easily cut out.

Following the goal in the 72nd minute, Kilmarnock were able to hold on for the win and climb to ninth in the table. They will face St Johnstone at home next Saturday.

Dundee United meanwhile cling on to third but face a difficult test away to Celtic at the weekend.

Line-ups:

Kilmarnock: O’Hara, Ndaba, Mayo, Wright, Murray, Magennis (Deas 55), Lyons (c) (Polworth 32), Watson (Donnelly 90), Armstrong (Anderson 71, Watkins (Ramsay 90), Wales Unused subs: Glavin, Mackay-Steven, McKenzie, Brown

Booked: Armstrong

Goals: Watkins (78)

Dundee United: Walton, Holt, Gallagher (c), Adegboyega (Middleton 82), Ferry, Campbell (Trapanovski 82), Sevelj, Strain, Stephenson (Fiorini 70), Paton (Moult 70), Dalby Unused subs: Babunski, Docherty, Graham, Richards, van der Sande

Booked: Adegboyega, Ferry

Referee: David Dickinson

Attendance: 5,661