It was the first visit to this venue since season 1999-2000, when seven goals from Greg Dochard helped United to an 8-0 victory.

In a match in which United played a lot of clever football on the deck, the only surprise was the margin of the win.

Only a gift of a penalty from referee Gill denied United a clean sheet.
United almost opened the scoring after two minutes, when a left foot shot from 20 yards by Herkes, touched the bar on its way over.

It was no surprise when United opened their account after 19 minutes, when a superb pass by Suttie found Herkes on the right wing.

Herkes crossed to the near post where the prolific Sutherland cleverly poked the ball into the net, past 'keeper Mitchell.

After 43 minutes United increased their lead when Suttie, on the edge of the penalty box, literally passed the ball into the corner of the net.

On the stroke of half-time, Sutherland hit the bar and Herkes headed the rebound onto the top of the bar and over.

United scored goal number three after 56 minutes when a Farquarson corner touched the head of a Luncarty defender and reached Herkes, who headed into the net at the far post.

Six minutes later Herkes crossed into the goalmouth and Mitchell pushed the ball out at full stretch. Before the Luncarty defence could regroup, Sutherland fired the ball into the net for his 12th goal in the last six matches.

Luncarty responded with a Carle free kick that was touched on to the bar by Davidson and the 'keeper somehow blocked a point blank shot by Warner.

A free kick by Carle was touched round the post by Davidson. From the resultant corner by McDonald referee Gill ruled that Davidson had pushed a Luncarty player as he caught the ball.

Carle fired the penalty into the corner of the net to make the final score 4-1 to United.

United: Davidson, Makein (Finlay 67), Brash, Fraser, Crawford, Suttie (Balfour 76), Herkes (Rusznica 78), Patrick, Farquarson, Sutherland, Grant. Subs not used: Campbell, McInroy.

On Saturday, United have a potential banana skin when they travel to Perth to play Jeanfield Swifts in a league match, kick-off 2.15 p.m.

Jeanfield are on a good league run, having lost only one of their last eight matches.

Manager Jim Hardie expects Campbell and Reid to be available for selection, but there is a major doubt over the fitness of Herkes.

After the Jeanfield match, United have only five league games to play: Home versus Ballingry Rovers, Newburgh, Scone Thistle; away - Crossgates Primrose, Steelend Victoria.

In cup draws made recently, United have been drawn against three Super League teams: East of Scotland Cup — home to Oakley United, Maloco & Associates Cup — away to Glenrothes, Kingdom Kegs Cup — home to Kelty Hearts if they beat Lochore Welfare in the first round.