The Terrors took the lead at Tannadice through Will Ferry but were stunned when the visitors hit back after the break with a quickfire Lewis Smith double.

However, Krisztian Keresztes equalised for United before Zac Sapsford snatched all three points deep into added time from the penalty spot.

Goodwin said: “I thought we stole the points in the end, if I’m being perfectly honest.

“We certainly got out of jail. It wasn’t the most entertaining of games, albeit there were five goals within it.

“But I’m pleased for the supporters to go up the road having watched their team win.”

However, United’s victory came at a cost with Amar Fatah going off early with a hamstring injury while Luca Stephenson was not even in the matchday squad due to a similar problem.

Goodwin added: “Yes, that’s a real negative from the game. Obviously, Amar has been an outstanding player for us. I don’t know the severity of it at this moment in time.

“He’ll go for a scan tomorrow or Monday and then we’ll see what the results show.

“Luca, unfortunately, picked up a knock in training on Wednesday, which ruled him out for today.

“Again, he’s going to go and see a specialist in the early part of the week.”

Livid Livingston boss Marvin Bartley insisted his side did not deserve to take anything from the game because of the sloppy goals they conceded.

Bartley said: “I am massive on you deserve what you get in football and a couple of the goals were inexcusable.

“Their second goal, from a set play, and then the third one is a really, really poor decision and one you can’t make in the box at that minute of the game. But we made it and unfortunately we’re then punished.

“It was a penalty, he kicked the man and not the ball. I’ve seen it once, it’s a penalty.

“Does it sum up why we’re in this position? Yes, because it’s small moments.

“When the season ends you are where you deserve to be, people talk about bad luck, good luck and all those things.

“But I am a believer in you create your own luck in football and in life as well, so when you make the mistakes we made today that’s not going to happen.

“If you concede three goals away from home you’re not going to win games.”