Lyall Cameron's late equaliser secured Dundee United a valuable point in a 1-1 draw away to St Johnstone on Sunday. The midfielder struck in the 79th minute to cancel out Josh Fowler's first-half opener, a result that leaves United fourth in the Premiership with 14 points from nine matches.
Josh Fowler gave the hosts the lead after 21 minutes, converting a cross from Enes Alic for his sixth league goal of the campaign. Dundee United had started brightly, dominating the opening 20 minutes with Sam Stanton forcing a save from Jack Walton and Dylan Tait testing Toby Steward from distance. But they fell behind against the run of play.
Manager Simo Valakari said his team's response in the second half was dominant. They asked players to move the ball forward more quickly after a build-up he described as sometimes too laboured. The pressure told when Jesse Randall, a constant danger down the right, provided the assist for Cameron to fire home. There was a shout for a penalty in the build-up after Liam Smith nudged Cameron, but nothing was given.
The goal was Cameron's second since joining on loan from Rangers, underlining his growing influence. Defender Cheick Diabate returned from suspension to shore up the back line, while forwards Zac Sapsford and Lachlan Rose led the line. Sapsford almost won it at the death, but Steward produced a late save to preserve the draw.
St Johnstone's plans were disrupted by illness, with goalscorer Fowler unable to continue after the break. He was replaced at half-time by Ruari Paton, who later teed up Taylor Steven for a chance. The shared point means the two sides are now level on 12 points in a congested top half of the table, though Dundee United's superior goal difference keeps them ahead in fourth.
Analysing the match, Valakari called the result fair and said he enjoyed the contest. His team's recent form shows one win, two draws and one loss from their last four outings, a sequence that includes a 3-0 victory at St Mirren. They have scored 13 goals this season while conceding 10. Their next challenge is a return to Paisley to face St Mirren again on 24 October. The Buddies currently sit eighth, setting up another important Premiership clash as United look to close the seven-point gap to leaders Celtic.
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