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Two magnificent goals ensured Dundee United and Ross County shared the points at Tannadice.

Gary Mackay Steven curled beyond Mark Brown seven minutes after half-time to give the hosts the lead.

However, Ross County captain Richard Brittain's thumping shot from well outside the box late on levelled matters for the visitors.

The draw means that Dundee United have now failed to win any of their last 11 home games.

There was very little goalmouth action in the opening period. In fact, supporters who arrived late would have missed the best chance of the half.

Gavin Gunning's close-range header from a Barry Douglas free-kick hit the side netting for the hosts in the first minute.

Rocco Quinn tried from long range at the other end five minutes later. It was a decent effort, but the ball skewed just past Radoslaw Cierzniak's left post.

The only other real opportunity in a fairly uninspiring first half came after 33 minutes. A slick one-two from Keith Watson and Stuart Armstrong down United's right saw the latter square to Gary Mackay Stevens on the edge of the box.

His first time effort was well struck but sailed wide.

The second half began a lot more brightly. Armstrong's mazy run saw him skip past two County players, but he failed to find a United team-mate in the box after reaching the byline.

United did eventually break the deadlock on 52 minutes.

Some lovely link-up play between Jonny Russell and John Daly saw the home side surge towards goal.

Russell's squared ball was controlled by Mackay-Steven at the edge of the box, and his left-foot effort curled into the top corner.

County had a chance to equalise almost immediately. Ivan Sproule bore down on Cierzniak's goal, but, from just eight yards, his angled shot was weak and the goalkeeper tipped wide.

United pressed hard to double their lead and go some way to securing three points, so Brittain's leveller came somewhat against the run of play.

Brittain found space 25 yards from goal, and his blasted effort sailed beyond Cierzniak and into the back of the net.

The home side pressed for a winner as County battled to hold on, but that vital second goal eluded Peter Houston's side, ensuring the points were shared.

United are up to joint sixth, while Ross County are ahead of St Mirren on goal difference in tenth.