A first-half double from Dundee United defender Jim Lauchlan ensured the struggling Premier League side would be in the next round of the Scottish Cup.

The last time the Tannadice side met Montrose was back in 1927 - and that ended as a 2-2 draw.

But Alex Smith's men produced a far more convincing performance this time in front of 2,592 supporters at tiny Links Park.

Both teams sit bottom of their respective divisions but Montrose goalkeeper Gary McGlynn was in fine form to prevent a thrashing from the Tangerines.

It took the visitors just eight minutes to test McGlynn in front of a packed house.

The keeper was called into action when an opportunist strike from the edge of the 18-yard box by Charlie Miller looked destined for the top corner of the net.

The Montrose number one produced a superb one-handed save to deny the former Rangers player. But he was left helpless just seconds later.

Hasney Aljofree's corner found Lauchlan in front of goal who smashed home the opener.

United looked set to double their advantage after 17 minutes when a blunder by David Muirhead allowed Derek Lilley to run clear on goal but McGlynn pounced off his line to block the shot.

The goalkeeper came to the rescue again a minute later when he tipped a superb Aljofree volley over the crossbar for a corner.

But United's onslaught on the Montrose goal continued and McGlynn was left picking the ball out of the back of the net again after 19 minutes.

Miller was the provider this time when he sent a cross into the box and defender Lauchlan fired home his second of the game.

Despite being two goals behind the rock-bottom Third Division side tried to pull themselves back into the game.

And Kevin Byers came close with a long-range effort that forced a good save from goalkeeper Paul Gallacher.

But the Tannadice side were again causing problems for the Montrose defence when a Miller shot smashed into the side netting.

Five minutes before the break Montrose had another decent chance. Michael McKenzie's 25-yard shot was powerful enough but just fell wide.

United started the second half determined to add to their tally and came close just three minutes after the restart.

Miller's long ball found Lilley in the box but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

The United striker pounced on the rebound only to be denied once again by McGlynn.

But on the hour mark Montrose came close to pulling a goal back. James McKeller's free-kick pinpointed Craig Mailer in front of goal but he nodded just over the crossbar.

Muirhead could have given Montrose fresh hope 15 minutes from time when he tried to lob the United keeper only to see the effort fly over the crossbar.

Jason De Vos didn't do much better at the other end of the park four minutes later.

He could have killed the game off with a great opportunity in front of goal but instead sent the ball skywards.

Steven Thompson came off the bench for Dundee United but was left disappointed when he failed to put the ball in an empty net.

Teams:

Montrose: McGlynn, Mailer, Christie, Craib, Joy, McKellar (Lowe 79), Muirhead, Harrison (McWilliam 65), Byers, Michael McKenzie (Johnathan Mitchell 69), Laidlaw.

Subs Not Used: Marwick, Thompson.

Booked: Mailer.

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Easton, De Vos, Lilley, Griffin, Aljofree (Buchan 65), Hamilton (Thompson 72), Partridge, Lauchlan, Miller (Heaney 75), McCunnie.

Subs Not Used: McCracken, Onstad.

Goals: Lauchlan 8, 19.

Att: 2,592

Ref: J Underhill (Scotland).