DUFC

DEL'S HAT-TRICK EASES UNITED TO VICTORY

22nd January 2002

United posted a vital win this evening over Tayside rivals St Johnstone with Derek Lilley netting a superb hat-trick in an excellent 4-1 win at McDiarmid Park.

In a match where a win for the Tangerines would take them 18 points clear of the relegation slot while steering them to within three points of fourth placed Hearts, Del's first hat-trick for United and his first goal since mid-August last year eased the Tannadice side to three points in a match where the scoreline only slightly flattered the visitors.

There were no places for the injured trio of Danny Griffin, Jim Hamilton and Mark Wilson. Steven Thompson started while Jamie Fullarton held down the left back position that he had filled so well against Dundee just four days earlier.

Both teams had chances to open the scoring before Thompson sent Lilley through on the half hour with the Paisley born striker taking the ball forward before crashing a shot past Saints keeper Miller. United's Charlie Miller hit a second in the 37th minute and then Lilley hit his own second and the Tangerines' third just on the interval.

Ahead by three at the break, Lilley hit his hat-trick and United's fourth in the 52nd minute when he powered a scorching drive into the home net from a Miller pass at a free-kick 20 yards out.

Although new Perth striker Youssouf pulled one back in the 65th minute, there were no further goals and the Tangerines delighted the sizeable Arab support in a disappointing attendance of 3,711 with their best win of the campaign so far.

UNITED: Gallacher, Wright, Hannah, Lauchlan, Easton, Miller, Lilley (McConalogue 82), Fullarton, McCunnie, Thompson (Winters 90), McIntyre (Venetis 86).

SUBS NOT USED: Combe, McCracken

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