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Nicky Clark's late winner moved Dundee United five points behind Scottish Championship leaders Ross County as Alloa's relegation fears deepened.

Alloa, who remain three points adrift of second-bottom Partick Thistle, led through Jordan Kirkpatrick's seventh-minute strike.

But skipper Andy Graham headed past his own keeper to restore parity.

And Clark completed the comeback in 83 minutes, converting Callum Booth's cross for his 12th goal of the season.

It's a crucial victory for second-place United who have seven games left and little margin for error. They face Dunfermline away on Tuesday and could be just two points behind County, having played two games more, when the Highlanders return to league action next Saturday.

Alloa have now lost five of their last six ahead of a Highland double. They head north to take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Tuesday then host County next Saturday.

Dundee United head coach Robbie Neilson: "I'm delighted to get three points, it was a tough game. Alloa came at us and made it difficult for us to play. The pressure is on Ross County, they're in the driving seat and have been for the majority of the season. We get a chance to try and claw that back on Tuesday, to get it down to two points, and it's now about us trying to do that."

Alloa manager Jim Goodwin: "I'm extremely disappointed- we put a hell of a lot of effort into the game. The players gave everything to the cause, we defended brilliantly. With seven minutes to go though, to get done by a one-two on the far side, I'm so disappointed to lose that way. I thought we deserved a point for the effort."