Dundee United striker Jim McIntyre returned to haunt his former club with a first-half hat-trick against Kilmarnock at Tannadice.

The former Rugby Park man's first ever three-goal haul, added to Charlie Miller's excellent 21st-minute volley, gave United a commanding 4-0 lead at the break in a one-sided contest.

Danny Invincibile struck for the visitors in the 61st minute, but it was scant consolation for Killie boss Jim Jefferies as United ended a run of seven years without a home Bank of Scotland Premier League win against the Ayrshire team.

The Tangerines now also boast an eight-game unbeaten home record to cement their hopes of a top-six place when the league splits next month.

But Kilmarnock were the architects of their own downfall, defending so erratically that Jefferies made a double change before the game had even reached the half-hour mark.

United had dominated the opening stages and it came as no surprise when they took the lead in the 11th minute.

Barry Robson hit a free-kick from just inside the Killie half and sent the ball between the flat-footed defence and goalkeeper Colin Meldrum.

Their hesitancy allowed McIntyre to nick in ahead of everyone, and, with a diving header, he sent the ball crashing off the underside of the crossbar into the net.

Killie were being run ragged and their frustrations boiled over when David Lilley threw himself into a challenge on Derek McInnes, catching the former Rangers man hard on the foot.

Referee Calum Murray took the opportunity to issue his first yellow card.

Killie's afternoon took another turn for the worse in the 21st minute when they fell further behind, this time through a wonderful right-foot volley by Miller.

He dropped in behind the defence in anticipation of an Andy McLaren flick-on and, when he did, was afforded plenty of space to watch the ball drop and shoot beyond the helplessly exposed Meldrum.

Kilmarnock's hapless defending continued in the 26th minute when David Lilley found the ball stuck fast between his feet as he tried to run and was subsequently dispossessed by Robson.

He bolted away from the disappearing defender and rolled the ball into the path of McIntyre, who sent a shot spinning over the goalkeeper's head from the edge of the area.

This was enough for Jefferies, who was furious on the touchline, and he made a double change.

Barry McLaughlin and Garry Hay were taken off, with Gordon Greer and Craig Dargo handed the thankless task of coming on with their team already three goals down.

However, it was soon to be four as McIntyre notched his hat-trick by blasting an unstoppable shot past Meldrum at his near post following some good build-up play by Miller.

Kris Boyd was warned by the referee for jumping with his elbow flailing after a clash with former team-mate Chris Innes at the start of the second period.

With the game over as a contest, United boss Ian McCall took the opportunity to bring on Billy Dodds, Craig Easton and Jason Scotland, in place of Robson, McIntyre and Miller.

But, although Killie gamely tried to force their way back into the game, the final exchanges were tamely played out.

Teams

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Wilson, Innes, McCracken, Archibald, McLaren, Kerr, McInnes, Robson (Scotland 74), Miller (Dodds 67), McIntyre (Easton 81).

Subs Not Used: Jarvie, Duff.

Goals: McIntyre 11, Miller 21, McIntyre 26, 34.

Kilmarnock: Meldrum, Lilley, McLaughlin (Dargo 29), Dindeleux, Hay (Greer 29), Fowler, Locke, Skora, McDonald, Boyd, Invincibile.

Subs Not Used: Smith, McSwegan, Nish.

Booked: Lilley, Locke, Dargo.

Goals: Invincibile 61.

Att: 5,757

Ref: C Murray (Scotland).