Dundee United and St Johnstone played out a drab goalless end-of-season affair at Tannadice.

Neither side offered much in the way of creative play or goal threats as the crowd of almost 6000 endured a dismal 90 minutes.

The Tangerines, who were fresh from a derby win at neighbours Dundee last week, should have been full of confidence and verve.

But the players were only too content to sit back and let the season draw to a close in comfort.

Already-relegated St Johnstone had a glimmer of hope for next season with the first half performance of midfielder Paul Hartley.

But there was little for either set of supporters to cheer in the Tayside derby.

St Johnstone had a lot of the possession early on but could not fashion any major opportunities which was disappointing, given that United were lethargic themselves.

The home side could have taken the lead with their best effort in the first-half when Tassos Venetis jinked past two defenders on the edge of the penalty area.

But Saints goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert saved his the Greek's weak shot.

Three minutes later, Jim Paterson almost forced a goal for United but his left foot shot took a deflection off a Saints defender to spin inches past the post.

Just after the break, the normally confident Charlie Miller sprang into life with an angled free-kick which Cuthbert just managed to tip over.

However, it was all downhill from here on with Miller's set-piece being the closest the crowd could expect to a breakthrough.

The former Rangers man did attempt another effort from 20 yards which sailed over the crossbar and striker Derek Lilley should have done better when he shot into the stand after 62 minutes.

But all Saints could respond with in the second half came from substitute Keigan Parker.

After being put through by Marc McCulloch, Parker's instant shot was smartly turned away by Paul Gallacher.

That was about that and Dundee United need a serious overhaul in the close season to provide the flair which their fans richly deserve.

But, for St Johnstone, their problems as they embark on life in the First Division campaign could be only just beginning.

Teams

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Duff, Lauchlan, McCracken, Aljofree, Easton, Miller, Venetis (Ogunmade 73), Paterson, Lilley (Winters 80), McConalogue (O'Donnell 58).

Subs Not Used: Jarvie, Carson.

St Johnstone: Cuthbert, McClune, Dods, McCluskey, Murray, Panther (Macdonald 84), Lovenkrands, McCulloch, Hartley, Russell (Parker 62), Connolly.

Subs Not Used: Devlin, Jones, Forsyth.

Booked: Murray.

Att: 5,190

Ref: M Ritchie (Scotland).