THERE have been numerous false dawns for Dundee United during their quest for promotion, which is now in its third season, back to the Premiership.

Too many occasions when they looked the real deal only to fall short when it mattered most as they endured play-off heartbreak. Having lost out in the final and semi-final of the play-offs in the last two campaigns, automatic promotion is a must and after Robbie Neilson oversaw a massive overhaul during the January transfer window they are starting to build momentum in Championship title race.

Only two teams have departed Dumfries with maximum points this season, Morton did so in October and Dundee United managed that feat for a second time as their 1-0 win saw them close the gap on leaders Ross County and move just a point behind second place Ayr United.

Winning at grounds where their title rivals have faltered; Ross County conceded four there and Ayr five, sends out a message as the title fight gears up for a thrilling climax.

Dundee United picked up the points courtesy of Nicky Clark’s first half penalty. Referee Andrew Dallas would have hoped when he pitched up at Palmerston for a quiet afternoon having been thrust into the spotlight in his last game when he controversially awarded Rangers four penalties against St Mirren.

He was at it again when he pointed to the spot but there will be no forensic analysis of this decision, it was a stonewall penalty and Dallas was right to red card Barry Maguire, who had been caught napping by Peter Pawlett and then hauled down the winger.

The man advantage didn’t seem to favour Dundee United, who had been the better side in the first half but after the interval were pushed back by Queens. Earlier in the season Dundee United may have buckled but Neilson’s new-look side are now made of sterner stuff. Luck was on their side when Kyle Jacobs curler from the edge of the box rattled the crossbar but they stood firm, if some of a defending was a bit harum-scarum, and saw the game out.

It is these hard-fought wins that title successes are built on. Neilson has recruited well, a lot of solid signings were acquired and match-winner Clark knows their strength in depth will be vital during the run-in.

Clark said: “I definitely feel the momentum is with us. I’ve said before winning becomes a habit.

“It’s a massive win for us. With Ayr drawing it’s a big three-points.

“There’s been a lot of changes and sometimes it takes a lot of time for teams to gel but we’ve worked hard in training, we’ve got our head down and done a lot of shape work.

“We’re starting to see the benefits of it now.

“You need competition at big clubs and we’ve certainly got that now with the players the manager has brought in during January.

“It’s a big squad we’ve got and that’s needed, especially at this time of the season. There’s a lot of big games coming up.

“We made hard work of it in the second half and at times I thought it looked as if we were the ones with ten men. But we got the three points and that’s the most important thing.”