Meetings between St Johnstone and Dundee United last season were close-run affairs.Two goals in three games was evidence of that, with Ali Crawford's strike the difference maker at Tannadice Park last time out.And another close contest went the way of Saints once more thanks to Perth legend Stevie May.Both teams set up in similar 5-3-2 formations with early pressure from the home side before former Tangerine Nicky Clark saw his shot blocked after 10 minutes.Then a cushioned ball over the top by Andrew Considine caught out the entire United defence before an onside May confidently swept the ball over 'keeper Carljohan Eriksson to make it 1-0.Clark then saw a half volley sail over the bar a few minutes later after the Arabs failed to clear their lines effectively.United attempted to put the pressure on, continually hitting target man Steven Fletcher who was winning most of the aerial battles, but Saints were standing firm.Fletcher saw his header from a corner cleared off the line by goalscorer May on 24 minutes in what was the home side's clearest chance of the first half.Clark then saw his owner goalbound header blocked off the line just after the half-hour mark.Jamie McGrath's cross met the head of the lively Sadat Happy Anaku but he could only glance it out for a goal kick.United had most of the ball in the first 45 minutes but Saints had little to worry about with McGrath's free kick headed over by Edwards, leaving Saints stopper Remi Matthews untroubled.May then proved to be the key man once more just before half time, latching onto a ball over the top from Ryan McGowan and laying it off to Melker Hallberg who slotted into the bottom corner.A sweeping move involving May and Jamie Murphy was blocked before Drey Wright

Dundee United 1 St Johnstone 2: Stevie May masterclass as Saints secure victory at Tannadice

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