Dundee United began their climb off the bottom of the Premier League table with a vital derby win against rivals Dundee.

The win signals a run of three games now that Alex Smith's men have emerged on top despite struggling to pick up any points at the start of the season.

Claudio Caniggia and Willie Falconer added their names to the score sheet for Dundee but goals from Hugh Davidson, Craig Easton and defender Jim Lauchlan ensured the three points would go to Tannadice.

The Dundee United supporters had snapped up their allocation of tickets days ago in anticipation of a positive re-start to league business after the winter break.

And after two minutes they almost had something to cheer about. Charlie Miller's cross picked out Davidson in plenty of space but his shot was easily held by the goalkeeper Marco Roccati.

Ten minutes later United had a penalty claim denied when Miller claimed he had been tripped in the box by Steven Tweed.

But referee Willie Young waved play on and Alessandro Romano found himself the first player of the night to be cautioned for dissent.

After 20 minutes Miller tried to set up Derek Lilley but his shot from the edge of the box was held by the goalkeeper.

He had another attempt nine minutes later, this time from an Easton cross, but he nodded just over.

United had looked the team most likely to score since the first whistle and the break through on 34 minutes. Lilley swung a cross into the box which was met by Davidson, who nodded past Roccati.

But their joy was short lived when Dundee levelled on the stroke of half-time. Javier Artero's cross was met by Caniggia who fired home from two yards.

They may have lost the goal just before the break but Dundee United quickly reclaimed their lead within a minute of the re-start.

Jamie Buchan burst through on a run from midfield before sending the ball through to Easton on the right who calmly slotted past the goalkeeper.

Four minutes later Miller went on a great solo run and looked set to grab their third but he was robbed by Tweed and the danger was cleared.

But the former Rangers player was threatening again after 60 minutes, this time with a long-range shot from 25 yards that was just held by the goalkeeper.

Player-manager Ivano Bonetti had replaced Shaun McSkimming but the Italian lasted less than 10 minutes after appearing to fall awkwardly and had to replace himself with Marco Russo.

With just 11 minutes to go Dundee United added their third. Jason De Vos found Jim Hamilton in the box - his shot was blocked - and defender Lauchlan was on hand to score his third goal in two games.

Falconer nodded home Dundee's second of the night two minutes from time but it proved to be too little too late.