No Shanks but big foot forward for Dundee United

Dundee United strengthened their position at the top of the Ladbrokes Championship with a 3-0 win over Queen of the South.

With leading striker Lawrence Shankland on international duty with Scotland, goals from Paul McMullan, Nicky Clark and Samuel Stanton moved the hosts nine points clear of Ayr at the top of the table, although they have played a game more than the chasing pack.

McMullan was involved in the first two goals, slotting home the opener in the 22nd minute after good work from Louis Appere, who had burst into the area, waited for support and then teed up his team-mate.

McMullan turned provider on the stroke of half-time as his fine through ball send Clark through on goal and he made no mistake with his finish.

A Stanton solo goal sealed the victory four minutes into the second half as he jinked through the Queens defence before blasting the ball home.