Dundee United secured a commanding victory over city rivals Dundee at Tannadice, ending a five-year wait for a home derby win with an impressive performance.
Jim Goodwin’s side claimed their fourth consecutive home victory - a feat last achieved in 2014 - to strengthen their grip on seventh place in the Scottish Premiership.
Dundee, meanwhile, remain nervously looking over their shoulder in the relegation battle.
United took the lead in fortunate fashion when Will Ferry saw a deflected effort rebound off his knee and roll in off the post.
Dundee almost responded immediately, but Iurie Iovu produced a vital intervention to prevent a certain equaliser.
The visitors thought they had levelled before half-time, only for Joe Westley’s header to be ruled out after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
The second half belonged to Ferry.
The wing-back doubled United’s advantage with a superb strike from distance, again finding the inside of the post, before turning provider with an excellent cross for Ryan Strain to head home a third.
Ferry’s influence was decisive, contributing two goals and an assist in a standout display that highlighted his growing importance to the team.
Despite enjoying more possession and territory, Dundee failed to turn their control into meaningful chances.
Their lack of cutting edge proved costly once again, with the disallowed goal their closest moment to getting back into the contest.
The defeat leaves them still hovering above the relegation zone, though results elsewhere offered some relief.
For Dundee United, however, it was a statement derby win - dominant, clinical, and long overdue.
Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin: "The all-round performance and the result is what matters most but I thought we thoroughly deserved the victory.
"Great credit to the group, they made amends for the disappointment six weeks ago. I thought we were the better team in every area of the pitch and I was delighted to send our fans home happy.
"We want to finish this season on a positive note and we expect another four performances like that one today."
Dundee manager Steven Pressley: "The game itself I thought there was very little in it in the first half.
"In the second half we didn't manage to impose ourselves on the game and put them under pressure. Ultimately they ran away 3-0 winners and deservedly so.
"It was difficult conditions but for two weeks we've known that, we've prepared for that so there's no excuse from myself or the group. We didn't manage to find the solutions or the answers."
