Dundee United manager Ian McCall breathed a huge sigh of relief after his side moved five points clear of Livingston at the bottom of the Bank of Scotland Premier League with a 2-0 win at Almondvale.

Scotland striker Stevie Crawford set United on their way in the 13th minute with a cool finish, while James Grady added a second five minutes before the break.

Speculation over McCall's future on Tayside has been rife following their 7-1 CIS Insurance Cup semi-final defeat to Rangers a fortnight ago but he answered his critics in the best possible manner.

Livingston manager Richard Gough, however, must be wondering why he ever decided to take on his post as his side will be playing First Division football next season unless drastic improvements are made.

Both sides looked nervous during the opening stages and it was not surprising given the magnitude of this encounter.

A strong swirling wind coupled with a patchy pitch also meant the standard of football on offer was not great.

Managers Gough and McCall no doubt gave their respective charges orders to keep things tight and there was little to shout about in front of goal early on.

However, experienced striker Billy Dodds orchestrated an opening for Crawford after 13 minutes to give the visitors the lead.

Dodds prodded through a perfectly-weighted pass for the Scotland striker, who peeled off David McNamee at the back post, and he showed great composure to slot the ball past goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie from a tight angle.

Livingston, to their credit, stuck to their task without causing goalkeeper Tony Bullock too many problems.

Striking duo Colin McMenamin and Derek Lilley ran tirelessly in search of any scraps as the link between midfield and attack was virtually non-existent.

However, to compound Livi's problems, Grady fired home a second in the 41st minute.

Mark Wilson's corner was headed back across goal and the pint-sized striker hooked the ball over his shoulder into the net to the delight of the travelling fans.

Livingston nearly responded in dramatic fashion when Eric Deloumeaux was allowed space on the edge of the box just seconds later but his vicious shot smacked against the advertising boards behind Bullock's goal.

Livingston boss Gough was clearly unhappy with his side's defensive showing and inability to create any credible chances in the first half.

He hauled off midfielders Richard Brittain and Mark Wilson at the break and replaced them with Stephen Adam and Attila Kriston.

However, it was United who came tantalisingly close to adding a third just moments after the restart.

Grant Brebner received the ball 25 yards from goal and unleashed a curling shot which struck the Livi crossbar.

The hosts pressed United more in the second half in an attempt to salvage something from the game following a damaging first 45 minutes.

McNamee made his customary marauding runs down the right flank but to no avail, as McCall's rearguard dealt calmly with every attack the home side mounted.

Teams:

Livingston: McKenzie, Rubio, Strong, Deloumeaux, McNamee, Mark Wilson (Kriston 45), Brittain (Adam 46), O'Brien, Bahoken, McMenamin, Lilley (McPake 70).

Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Dorado, Dair, Vincze.

Booked: McMenamin.

Dundee Utd: Bullock, Wilson, Mair, Archibald, Duff, Grady, Brebner, Kerr (McLaren 69), McIntyre, Dodds, Crawford.

Subs Not Used: Colgan, Samuel, Scotland, Kenneth, Cameron, Holmes.

Booked: Brebner.

Goals: Crawford 14, Grady 41.

Att: 5,158

Ref: C Richmond (Scotland).