Dundee United manager Peter Houston slated his side’s performance despite seeing them defeat St Johnstone 5-1 at McDiarmid Park.

Own goals from Steven Anderson and Callum Davidson put United in the driving seat before Anderson scored at the right end.

However Houston’s side scored three late goals through Johnny Russell, Jon Daly and Milos Lacny to claim all three points.

However the manner of the derby win didn’t please the Scotland assistant boss.

He said: "I said to the players after the game I thought we were rubbish. I'm not kidding, I don't think we played anywhere near the standards that we set ourselves.

"We were in 1-0 at half-time with an own-goal and I think the scoreline flattered us. I think St Johnstone were the better team in the first half.

"When St Johnstone pulled a goal back, that's where we started to show a bit of character.

"In other games we've folded and teams have scored against us but we actually picked up our work-rate and we actually played better.

"We had the quality of (Paul) Dixon's crosses and two magnificent headers from Johnny Russell and Jon Daly, allied with the fact we chased everything down later on when we went 4-1 up, and Lacny got his goal, which will help him.

"But I'm delighted with the three points.

"We have played better, if I pick games against Motherwell and Aberdeen recently, when we picked up one point from six.

"But we've come away from home, scored five goals against a team that are flying in the league and I think is one of the teams of the season.

"So, I'm being a wee bit choosy here in saying that our performance wasn't anywhere near the standard of last week.

"But I think it's a sign of a good team that when you don't play well you win emphatically like we did."

Despite his unusual assessment of the match, Houston did praise full-back Paul Dixon.

He added: "Dixon's deliveries were superb, but also the header of Johnny Russell, to get it across the goalkeeper and up and over him.

"I keep saying to young Gary Mackay-Steven, put it in there and Daly will get his fair share."

IN DETAIL

• Match report: St Johnstone 1-5 Dundee United