DUNDEE UNITED surged to top of the Scottish Premiership by thrashing Dundee 4-1 at Dens Park to leave their rivals without a derby win in 10 years.
Jackie McNamara’s men were far too strong for Paul Hartley’s side, who finished with 10 men following Thomas Konrad’s dismissal late on, having gone into the televised meeting undefeated in six league outings.
The Tangerines took over top spot in the league thanks to Mario Bilate’s first-half penalty and further goals after the break from Ryan Dow, Callum Morris and Keith Watson, with Greg Stewart grabbing an injury-time consolation for the Dark Blues.
There was plenty at stake as Dundee attempted to end their long wait for a derby win which stretched back to 2004, while United knew they could go top by winning by three clear goals.
Dundee v Dundee United RECAP: All the build-up and action from today’s clash at Dens Park
And in five minutes the visitors created the first opportunity.
Chris Erskine’s flighted cross was met by Dow and his downward header was on target but went straight into the hands of Dundee keeper Kyle Letheren.
That helped settle the Tangerines and 10 minutes in Erskine again made some space for himself firing in a shot from 20-yards which Letheren was relieved to see clear his far post.
But their efforts paid off as they swept into a deserved 24th-minute lead.
Paul Paton dispossessed Jim McAlister 30 yards from goal and surged forward to give the ball to Gary Mackay-Steven.
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Dundee 1 Dundee United 4: Tannadice men surge to top of table after routing Dees in demolition derby