Dundee United's fight for Premier League survival was given a boost when Steven Thompson nodded home the only goal of the first half against Dunfermline.

The importance of a win from this encounter was not lost on United and, from the first whistle, they proceeded to put the Pars' goal under pressure.

The Tannadice side were almost rewarded for their attacking play after just four minutes when Charlie Miller released Thompson down the right wing.

Thompson swung a cross into the box and Derek Lilley connected but nodded into goalkeeper Marco Ruitenbeek's hands.

Lilley was threatening again four minutes later, this time unleashing a well-struck shot from just inside the 18-yard box but he was again denied by the Dunfermline goalkeeper.

Dundee United goalkeeper Paul Gallacher was called into action for the first time after 13 minutes when he pounced off his line to claim a Barry Nicholson free kick.

Five minutes later Lee Bullen came close for the Pars but nodded just over the crossbar.

Dundee United's persistence paid off after 21 minutes. David Partridge went on a great run from the halfway line before crossing the ball to Thompson, who nodded home the opener.

Only the heroics of Ruitenbeek prevented United from doubling their lead after 25 minutes.

Skipper Jason de Vos saw his close-range shot blocked by the Dutchman before he denied Miller, who had pounced on the rebound.

The goalkeeper came to the rescue again just seconds later when he dived low to save Miller's 20-yard drive.

Five minutes before the break Lilley tried to pin-point Craig Easton at the back post, but Chris McGroarty nodded clear before the Tannadice player could connect.

The first yellow card of the game came right on the half-time whistle when Easton was cautioned for a challenge on Youssef Rossi.