Last updated on .From the section Scottish Championship

Robbie Neilson's side have recorded three draws and two defeats in their past five matches

Dundee United's winless run in all competitions extended to five matches as Alloa Athletic held the Scottish Championship leaders to a draw.

Lawrence Shankland was off target with three efforts for United and team-mate Calum Butcher dragged an effort wide.

Rakish Bingham tested Wasps goalkeeper Kieran Wright in the second period.

Brian Stirling had the hosts' best effort, his header kept out by the alert Benjamin Siegrist as the Tangerines moved 18 points clear.

Nearest challengers Inverness Caledonian Thistle have two games in hand but are not in league action this weekend due to their Challenge Cup semi-final with Rangers colts on Sunday. Alloa, meanwhile, are now three points clear of bottom side Partick Thistle.

Eight wins from their remaining 12 games will all but guarantee United the title and promotion to the Premiership, with Robbie Neilson's men boasting a vastly superior goal difference to Inverness, Ayr United and Dundee.

However, the Tannadice side are without a win since beating Partick Thistle in early January.

'Final pass was poor' - reaction

Alloa Athletic manager Peter Grant: "It was a tough game. They're a fantastic side, United. The boys defender diligently.

"I always thought we were a threat. If we had taken care, we could've created better chances. That was probably the only down side. They showed great guts."

Dundee United head coach Robbie Neilson: "We dominated the game, passed it really well, switched it, got into good areas but the final moment wasn't there, it was poor. Crossing was poor at times, the final pass was poor, the final selection

"It's another point on the board. It's important when we come to these places if we can't win we make sure we take a point."