Dundee Utd off bottom after thumping Kilmarnock

Glenn Middleton celebrates after whipping in United's third

Dundee United battered Kilmarnock to lift themselves off bottom and leave their opponents to the foot of the Scottish Premiership.

And a fourth from Dylan Levitt - fresh from his World Cup call-up for Wales - put the game beyond doubt and left both sides on 12 points. However, Liam Fox's men leapfrog Kilmarnock on goal difference after this thumping win.

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It only took United 10 minutes to open the scoring, yet it came as no surprise after given the tempo with which they started.

A clearance from Ross Graham turned out to be a beautiful looping ball over the top, and Freeman angled his shot perfectly to squeeze it past Zach Hemming.

The second came from a similarly long hoof up the pitch. Steven Fletcher nodded on, as did McGrath, sending Middleton through on goal. His powerful effort was saved but the ball rebounded back to McGrath, who slid in to double the lead.

Kilmarnock looked vulnerable and Middleton looked on song, no more so than when he whipped and dipped a long-range free-kick past Hemming for United's third.

Derek McInnes was not a happy man. He made three changes after little more than half an hour, bringing on Rory McKenzie who almost immediately set up a chance when Joe Wright headed his cross off a post.

The second half was a much quieter affair, with United more than comfortable - the first time that's been said since the 4-0 win against Aberdeen six games ago.

The fourth goal was more than deserved, and it fell to Levitt - who was named in Wales' squad for Qatar less than an hour before kick-off. McGrath picked out the midfielder perfectly on the edge of the area and he curled superbly into the net.

Player of the Match - Jamie McGrath (Dundee United)

United's signing of the summer, unquestionably. Absolutely ran the show, scoring and setting up another. A cut above.

Fox's men only come out at night - analysis

Here's a stat for you. United have only won in darkness this season. Make of that what you will.

Fox's side played with a confidence thought to be absent at Tannadice. From the very first minute, they played like a club going for Europe rather than one scrapping down the bottom.

But, they've done it before. They similarly plastered Aberdeen and proceeded to win one of the next six. They must take this form into the returning meeting with Aberdeen at the weekend. Maybe the 18:00 GMT kick-off time will help.

Kilmarnock looked bereft of any ideas or any defensive responsibility. Easily undone by two long-balls, McInnes' side didn't lay a glove on their hosts. They've now picked up just one point on the road this season from seven games. Worrying signs.

What's next?

United travel to Pittodrie on Saturday, whilst Kilmarnock host Hibernian on the same day (15:00).