United created several chances and could have been out of sight by half time. Noel Hunt wasted a few, whilst Barry Robson had a reasonable header tipped over the bar - although the officials amusingly gave a goal kick! What did Saints have to show for their efforts? A terrible volley from Kirk Broadfoot, a header over from newboy Stephen O'Donnell and an offside goal from the same player - a volley that came well after everyone else had stopped.
Recently, Saints have followed a rubbish first half with a reasonable second half. Not today. United had all the chances, which should simply not be happening when they are the away team. The likes of David Robertson and Craig Conway missed reasonable efforts before the inevitable came 18 minutes from time. Steven Robb easily beat a few players, passed to Robson and he hammered it home from about 40 yards. A great strike, fit to win any game and certainly more than enough to win a terrible game against a poor side.
Surely now Saints would push forward? Not a bit of it. Robson went close to wrapping up the points whilst Saints continued to mess around in midfield, even passing the ball back. The highlight came when Chris Smith charged into the visitor's penalty area for a late corner, although the corner typically didn't make it past the first defender.
Incredibly, we almost grabbed a point. Stephen McGinn crossed for fellow sub Stewart Kean, only for the striker's head to just miss the ball. John Sutton should have tucked it away, but Derek Stillie smothered it. It was the only thing he had to do all day.
Quite simply, today wasn't good enough. The football from Saints was rubbish, with hardly any chances to talk about, let alone goals. The crowd was down, and no wonder if this is what we'll treat them to after they part with their hard earned cash.
Dunfermline remain eight points behind but will surely turn things around soon. The question is - can Saints?