United moved into second place in the Championship with a 4-2 win over Alloa at Tannadice. Alloa took an early lead through Alan Trouten's penalty, but two minutes later United equalised with Nicky Clark scoring. Pavol Safranko quickly made it 2-1 and a penalty converted by Fraser Aird eased United out to 3-1. Ian Flannigan pulled a goal back making it 3-2 at the break. A quieter second half saw only one goal with Craig Curran scoring and making the final score 4-2.

Fraser Fyvie was the notable absence for United as Christoph Rabitsch started in midfield. Callum Booth started and Nicky Clark also returned to the starting XI for the first time in months. Jake Hastie started for Alloa with Steve Hetherington also returning to their starting XI.

A tight opening phase was broken by Alloa earning a penalty and Alan Trouten confidently stroking the award away. However, their lead didn't last long and United immediately hit back with Nicky Clark finishing from close range. United soon took the lead as Pavol Safranko glanced a corner kick into Alloa's net.

United were well on top and scored another after Paul McMullan was tripped by Steve Hetherington. Fraser Aird confidently blasted the penalty high into Alloa's net making it 3-1. Alloa were not about to fold though, and Iain Flannigan produced one of his special free kicks to make it 3-2 before the interval.

United assumed control in the second half and were trying to draw Alloa onto them. However, part-time Alloa were beginning to feel the pace and fewer players were charging forward in support. Nicky Clark had a good chance to extend United's lead, but Alloa also wasted a good chance when Dario Zanatta was put through on goal but failed to produce a finish.

With time running out United were looking nervous sitting on their one-goal lead. They had chances to pull clear but hadn't taken them. Substitute, Craig Curran, secured United's win with a powerful finish near the end.

There's no doubt United are on the charge under Robbie Neilson. That's five wins and draw since he arrived and United are looking serious title contenders again. Alloa couldn't be faulted for effort at United, but two games in a week proved too much for them. At least they are scoring again with two goals in each of their last three games in all competitions.