Ross County manager Jim McIntyre cut a frustrated figure after watching his side suffer their second league defeat in a row on Saturday.
Former Caley Thistle forward Billy Mckay’s penalty nine minutes from time earned Dundee United their first win under new manager Mixu Paatelainen as they closed the gap on second-bottom Partick Thistle to two points at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership with victory at Tannadice.
County have dropped to fifth place following their loss, two points behind St Johnstone, and McIntyre is disappointed his side let a valuable away point slip.
He said: “There was plenty of blood and thunder but I don’t think either side showed great quality.
“It looked as if one goal would win it. United were the better side in the first half and looked the more likely to score but we were better in the second half although our final ball and pass was missing.
“It was frustrating to lose as I didn’t see them scoring although, to be fair, I didn’t see us scoring either and the match had 0-0 written all over it.
“To lose due to the loss of a penalty was sore but it looked a foul from where I was standing.”
Saturday’s loss follows the midweek League Cup quarter-final win at Caley Thistle but McIntyre denied the midweek exertion had played a part in his side’s poor display at Tannadice.
He said: “There was no reaction to the League Cup game in midweek. We finished the game strongly with attempts on goal and lots of positive play.”
McIntyre also lost the services of left back Jamie Reckord in the warm-up and captain Andrew Davies following a clash of heads early in the second half, but he is confident he will not be without the services of either player for long.