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Thomas Mikkelsen scored his third goal since joining Dundee United on loan from Ross County

Thomas Mikkelsen's goal was enough to give Dundee United a third win in four games and strengthen their chances of making the Premiership play-offs.

The margin of the win might have been greater had it not been for a number of saves from goalkeeper Robbie Thomson.

But it was his mistake that led to the only goal, his clearance putting pressure on Paul Watson and Willo Flood stealing possession.

Flood squared for Mikkelsen to convert and Falkirk could not recover.

United open up a four-point lead over fifth-placed Greenock Morton and remain behind Dunfermline Athletic on goal difference with second-placed Livingston four points ahead.

The Tangerines' promotion hopes were very much in doubt until recently but the much criticised Tannadice players have started to show the grit and determination their supporters have been looking for at the business end of the season.

They might not be winning in style but are showing the qualities needed to get the results they require right now, reflected in the fact they have kept three clean sheets in their recent victories.

Falkirk remain eight points above the relegation play-off place but with only three games left their place in the Championship should be safe enough.

Post-match reaction

Dundee United manager Csaba Laszlo: "This was like the game against St Mirren as the team was really, really fighting and I was very pleased by the performance.

"After the win against St Mirren I think we saw the team have a spirit and a very good standing if we play good football and it was the same today.

"This was not a fantastic football game but the performance we made today was to try to make Dundee United proud.

"If you keep things going and help each other and close the area for Falkirk to pass through then they will just have to rely on long balls and we can win them but I was a little sad we didn't have more end product going forward in the second half."

Falkirk manager Paul Hartley: "They got their goal from a bad mistake by us and we have go to do better and make sure that when you come here you stay in the game as the chances we did have we didn't take them.

"We had a real good run from the turn of the year going unbeaten in eight games and losing the last four games has been disappointing, losing by the odd goal which sums it up this season.

"It's not something we want to celebrate (avoiding the relegation play-off) as we came into the job in a difficult situation and the club is definitely in transition.

"We are not taking anything for granted but if we stay in the league then we have got to make sure we have a squad that can push us to the Premiership as that will be our aim next season."