Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen recognises his side still have plenty to do if they are to avoid the drop, but enjoyed an impressive win over Ross County.

The Premiership's bottom side claimed a comprehensive 3-0 win over the Staggies in Dingwall, cutting the gap at the foot of the table to eight points.

But the Finnish coach admits that there is still plenty to be clawed back if the Tannadice club are to survive the dreaded drop.

Paatelainen said: "That's absolutely one of our best days so far. For a change, we are able to enjoy it.

"I thought it was a good fighting performance against a good team. We'll come here again in a week's time in the cup and I'm sure it will be a tough one again - even tougher - but I'm so pleased with everybody's effort.

"We scored three goals away from home and kept a clean sheet. It is more than welcome. They showed the battling qualities but we've had that for a number of weeks now.

"We do make silly mistakes at times and we've been punished in the past, but thankfully not today."

Paatelainen admitted there was still a lot to do. He said: "We have a long way to go.

"I'm delighted today we narrowed the gap, but we have a tough one on Wednesday against Aberdeen. I'm delighted it is at home but we need similar attitude and application from the players, determination to be first on the ball, and then we have a chance."