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Partick Thistle ended a run of six matches without a victory by beating Scottish Premiership rivals Dundee United at Tannadice.

Stephen O'Donnell's drive gave Thistle the lead.

And an own goal by Jaroslaw Fojut stretched their advantage before the half-time interval.

United could not claw their way back into the match and their winless run is extended to four matches, further denting their European hopes.

Saturday's victory ensures the men from Maryhill now have a seven point cushion over the three sides below them in the Premiership table.

If their recent poor run of form had hit confidence levels in the Partick camp, it did not show in the opening 45 minutes as they bossed it against Jackie McNamara's United.

Lyle Taylor and James Craigen drew decent saves from keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak before the goal their play deserved arrived 10 minutes before the break - and it was a beauty.

Lyle Taylor played a key role with a delightful back-heel that allowed O'Donnell to jink inside from the right and curl a cracker past United goalkeeper Cierzniak from 20 yards.

Much to the disgust of the home fans, Thistle doubled their lead before half time.

A Partick corner caused panic in the home box and the ball took a touch off Ryan McGowan and then Fojut before it found its way beyond Cierzniak.

The two-goal lead was no more than the visitors deserved, with United having failed to test Paul Gallacher in the Partick goal.

Their best chance had fallen to Nadir Ciftci but the striker was unable to control and finish from just a few yards out.

The second half was a dour affair in drizzling rain, with little inventiveness and a series of injury stoppages punctuating play.

Stuart Bannigan almost made it three for Thistle, whipping a low shot just wide after the 70 minute mark.

The hosts never looked like scoring and even when Henri Anier was given a clear sight of the goal at the death, he blasted well over the bar from six yards out.