Dundee United earned the bragging rights in their derby clash with Dundee as the visitors romped to a 3-0 win at Dens Park on Sunday.

Peter Houston's side were in control from the moment Keith Watson opened the scoring early in the first half and Jon Daly's penalty after the break was followed by a late strike from Willo Flood to complete an emphatic victory.

The result continued a happy trend for United, who had won 3-0 at Tannadice in August in the first competitive Dundee derby for more than seven years, and also triumphed by the same scoreline in a friendly at Dens Park in July.

Houston saluted his players for their recent dominance of the rivalry, saying: "It's down to the players alone. They were very professional today.

"Dundee worked very hard and were a spirited side but I don't think anyone could deny we deserved victory."

Dundee manager Barry Smith, bemoaning two crucial penalty decisions, added: "It's very disappointing, two major decisions have gone against us.

"There are too many grey areas where it's an easy option for referees. The referee has gone against us on both of them."

They took the lead in the 17th minute when Barry Douglas swung a corner towards the near post and Watson peeled off his man to head home via a deflection.

The hosts went close to equalising when Jim McAlister headed Gary Irvine's cross into the path of the unmarked Steven Milne, but the forward volleyed over from 10 yards.

Watson almost doubled United's lead as he let fly with a powerful effort from 30 yards that Rab Douglas only just managed to palm over the bar.

Douglas got down well to save from Stuart Armstrong seconds after the restart but United had an escape when Brian McLean appeared to handle inside the box, only for referee Willie Collum to wave play on.

United put the result beyond doubt in the 71st minute when Collum pointed to the spot after Irvine's foul on Armstrong and Daly guided his spot-kick past Douglas.

To rub salt into the hosts' wounds, United bagged a third goal in comical fashion in the 88th minute.

Former Manchester City midfielder Flood was the fortunate scorer as his weak effort bobbled over Douglas's arm and trickled into the net.