Sam Dalby scored his ninth goal in 11 games to clinch a 2-1 comeback win at St Johnstone and send Dundee United up to fourth in the William Hill Premiership.

The hosts edged in front on the stroke of half-time thanks to Makenzie Kirk’s sixth strike of the season.

United deservedly levelled through former St Johnstone winger Glenn Middleton after 51 minutes and bossed the game thereafter.

Dalby’s header on the hour was the least Jim Goodwin’s side merited from their dominance.

Saints offered little response until visiting captain Declan Gallagher was sent off with three minutes remaining and Simo Valakari’s team remain firmly at the foot of the table following a 13th league loss.

Both teams enjoyed periods of dominance in an error-ridden first half. Jack Sanders and Benji Kimpioka offered poor headed efforts and a Graham Carey 25-yard free-kick dipped too late to trouble the goal.

United goalkeeper Jack Walton was drawn into action after 28 minutes, springing smartly to his near post to deny Kirk.

A crucial goal-line block by Jason Holt prevented Ryan Strain from breaking the deadlock for United after 35 minutes.

The first half looked like it was heading for a stalemate until a superb one-two connection down the left between Kirk and Kimpioka.

The former Hearts forward collected the return ball with his back to goal and took advantage of Kevin Holt sitting a yard off him.

The finish was what Saints have come to except from the rapidly-improving prospect as Kirk steered a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Holt’s well-timed lunge stopped Kirk scoring again, sending a stoppage-time effort spinning over the crossbar.

Saints threatened first in the second period with Drey Wright, from 20 yards, forcing Walton to make a fine save down to his left.

After that, it was one-way traffic. Middleton evaded a Sven Sprangler challenge and met with no other resistance as he ranged in from the left.

His fierce 22-yard drive beat Josh Rae and went in off his right-hand post.

Saints floundered under constant pressure; Rae saved from Kai Fotheringham at the near post but that only delayed the inevitable until hour mark.

An aimless ball out of defence from David Keltjens gave Vicko Sevelj the chance to pick out Dalby’s penalty box run.

The in-form striker beat Sanders to the ball and powered a header home from eight yards.

Valakari called Adama Sidibeh and Nicky Clark from the bench. However, Saints could not fashion a chance against 11 men.

Dalby dragged a fine chance inches wide after 78 minutes as the home defence continued to look vulnerable.

Gallagher’s straight red for studs to the ankle of Aaron Essel gave Saints a glimmer of late hope.

But that was brushed away by the fingertips of Walton after Sanders met a Matt Smith cross with a bounding header.