Sam Dalby scored his ninth goal in 11 games to seal a 2-1 win at St Johnstone and send Dundee United into fourth place in the Scottish Premiership.
The hosts took the lead at the end of the first half thanks to Mackenzie Kirk's sixth goal of the season.
United deservedly equalized through former St. Johnstone winger Glenn Middleton in the 51st minute and took control of the match after that.
Dalby's header on the hour was the least Jim Goodwin's side deserved for their dominance.
The Saints made little response until visiting captain Declan Gallagher was sent off three minutes from time, with Simo Valacari's side remaining bottom of the table after their 13th league loss.
Both teams enjoyed periods of control in a first half full of mistakes. Jack Sanders and Benji Kempioka produced poor headed efforts and a 25-yard free-kick from Graham Carey fell too late to trouble the goal.
United goalkeeper Jack Walton was brought into action after 28 minutes, running smartly to his near post to deny Kirk.
A crucial goal-line block from Jason Holt prevented Ryan Strain from breaking the deadlock for United after 35 minutes.
Dundee United's Kevin Holt (left) and Sam Dalby
The first half looked like it was heading towards a stalemate until great communication between Kirk and Kempioka down the left flank.
The former Hearts striker collected the rebound with his back to goal and took advantage of Kevin Holt who was sitting a yard away from him.
The finish was what Saints had come to except for a quick improvement as Kirk curled a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Holt's well-timed lunge stopped Kirk from scoring again, and he sent a stoppage-time shot over the bar.
Dundee United's Ross Docherty (right) and Miller Thompson celebrate
The Saints threatened first in the second half with Dre Wright, from 20 yards, forcing Walton to make a good save to his left.
After that, traffic became one-way. Middleton evaded the challenge of Sven Sprangler and faced no further resistance as he ranged from the left.
His ferocious 22-yard drive beat Josh Ray out of his right post.
Saints faltered under constant pressure. Ray saved from Kai Fotheringham at the near post but that only delayed the inevitable until the hour mark.
A pointless ball out of the defense from David Keltjens gave Vicko Sevelj the opportunity to pick out Dalby's penalty area.
The in-form striker beat Sanders to the ball and headed home from eight yards.
Valakari recalled Adama Sidibe and Nicky Clarke from the bench. However, Saints were unable to create a chance against 11 men.
Dalby had a great chance in the 78th minute as the home side's defense remained vulnerable.
Gallagher's straight red of the buttons to Aaron Essel's ankle gave the Saints a late glimmer of hope.
But that was brushed aside by Walton's fingertips after Sanders met Matt Smith's cross with a curling header.