Swanson (centre) gave United the lead before half-time

By Andy Campbell

Dundee United registered a fifth straight Scottish Premier League victory thanks to Danny Swanson's goal.

The midfielder drilled a left-foot shot past goalkeeper Ryan Esson to put United ahead on 43 minutes.

David Robertson, Swanson and Johnny Russell had chances to extend United's advantage after the break.

Inverness struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities to level, Lee Cox's shot saved by Dusan Pernis early in the second half.

United are still 12 points behind third-place Hearts, while Inverness remain seventh, a point behind Motherwell.

Russell, the scorer of both of United's goals in the midweek win over Hearts, headed over after meeting Keith Watson's cross in the third minute.

Jonny Hayes was the architect of the visitors' first chance, cutting in from the right and chipping the ball to the back post for Richie Foran, who headed into the arms of Pernis.

David Goodwillie set up David Robertson for a shot right on the edge of the Inverness penalty box but, though the midfielder made a powerful connection, his shot lacked the required direction.

Inverness went back on the attack and Eric Odhiambo cut the ball back for Chris Hogg to fire in a shot and Pernis saved well with his legs before trying to get his hands on the ball as the visiting defender attempted the force the ball home.

The referee eventually awarded the hosts a free-kick and the goalkeeper was given treatment before play resumed.

Cox had an effort saved by goalkeeper Pernis in the second half

The Tangerines gradually took a grip of the game and Swanson had a shot deflected wide from the edge of the box.

Goodwillie then took advantage of a slip by Ross Tokely and began to drive at the Inverness defence. The striker cut inside Hogg and opted for a powerful shot that was blocked by the feet of goalkeeper Ryan Esson.

However, United did claim a half-time lead. David Robertson's cross was not properly cleared by the Inverness defence and Scott Robertson headed down for Swanson to guide the ball home with his left foot.

A poor defensive header at the start of the second half by Russell afforded Adam Rooney a chance but the Inverness striker could not quite connect with his acrobatic volley and the ball trickled out.

Cox then forced Pernis into a save with a controlled shot from the edge of the box that lacked power.

Dundee United looked to put the game to bed and David Robertson volleyed over after Jon Daly had caused havoc in the Inverness box.

There was another narrow escape for the visitors when Swanson's in-swinging free-kick was headed onto his own bar and out by Russell Duncan.

After Hayes sliced a shot wide of the United goal, another effort by Swanson dipped over the Inverness crossbar and Russell blazed from the left-hand side of the box when he really should have tested Esson.

As the match moved into injury time, Foran's shot was headed upand towards goal by Grant Munro but Pernis plucked the ball out of the air to alleviate the danger.

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