An injury time goal from Jim McIntyre gave Dundee United their first win over Kilmarnock in more than five years and lifts the Tannadice club off the foot of the table.

In a game devoid of much excitement it was harsh on the home side, who made the bulk of the running.

The visitors took an early lead through Stevie Thompson but Steve Fulton ensured the scores were level by the half time break.

Chances were few and far between but ex-Killie striker McIntyre's late strike may have been enough to give caretaker manager Paul Hegarty an extended run in the Tannadice dugout.

Kilmarnock made four changes from the side which capitulated 6-1 to Rangers last week with Paul Di Giacomo, Chris Innes, Alan Mahood and Shaun Dillon all coming into the starting eleven.

For the visitors, former Killie defender Kevin McGowne was dropped with Mark Wilson and David McCracken forming a very young partnership at the back.

Killie made the best of the chances

And in a re-jigged visiting side, striker Derek Lilley found himself in the unusual position of right-midfield.

After a subdued start, the first goal came as a surprise in the seventh minute when Thompson fired United ahead.

Innes dithered in defence allowing the Scotland international to charge in on goal and slip the ball through the legs of keeper Gordon Marshall.

In the 20th minute the home side went close when the lively Stephen Murray latched on to an Alan Mahood cross and fired a volley on the turn from 12 yards which went into the side-netting.

Moments later Killie defender Greg Shields had an effort from 30 yards which United goalkeeper Paul Gallacher did well to hold at his left-hand post.

Kilmarnock continued to press and eventually got the equaliser their pressure deserved in the 24th minute.

Fulton picked up a loose ball at the edge on the United box and drilled a low left-foot drive into the corner of the net.

Despite being under increasing pressure, United came close to restoring their lead in the 38th minute when Jim Hamilton looped a header from 16 yards just over the bar.

Jim McIntyre struck in injury time

Neither side was capable of imposing themselves at the beginning of the second half and the driving rain did nothing to enhance a game low on quality play.

The game was littered with fouls and there was little to keep either goalkeeper occupied.

The home fans were on their feet in the 65th minute when a tremendous Kris Boyd free-kick from 25 yards cannoned off Gallacher's left-hand post and back into play before eventually being cleared to safety.

Soon after Thompson went in search of a second goal but saw his angled shot tipped over the bar by Marshall after an impressive surging run.

With many fans heading for the exits, McIntyre popped up to slam home the winner.

Kilmarnock: Marshall, Shields, Dindeleux, Innes, Canero, Dillon, Fulton, Mahood, Boyd, Di Giacomo (McSwegan 82), Murray (Quitongo 86).
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Mitchell, Hay.

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, McCunnie, McCraken, Wilson, Duff (Paterson 63), Miller, Easton, Lilley, Hamilton (Smart 54), Thompson, McIntyre.
Subs Not Used: Combe, Lauchlan, O'Donnell.

Booked: Easton, Lilley, McCunnie, Miller, McIntyre.

Attendance: 5,417
Referee: D Somers