Dundee Utd 2
Aberdeen 1
League (SPL)

Match Report

A great team display secured the Tangerines their fourth home win in a row in the SPL, as first half goals from Francisco Sandaza and Warren Feeney were enough to beat a plucky Aberdeen side who fought back in the second half with a goal from Darren Mackie.

Francisco Sandaza had earlier put the ball in the net after wining an aerial challenge with Langfield, only to have the effort ruled out for an infringement, but in the 8th minute the Spaniard was not to be denied. After a long ball from Sean Dillon was just kept in play at the bye-line by Morgaro Gomis, the United midfielder hooked the ball back into the 6-yard box where Sandaza beat Xander Diamond to the ball and tapped in from close range with Langfield exposed. The visitors were looking extremely shaky at the back and the United capitalised again with 13 minutes played as they doubled their lead. The goal again started with a great piece of persistence, this time from Paul Dixon, as he fought his way down the left wing before drilling the ball low across the face of goal. The ball evaded several Dons defenders as well as the goalkeeper leaving Warren Feeney with the simple task of firing high into the net from barely a yard out for his 1st United goal. There should have been a 3rd for United after 18 minutes when, following a great one-two between Sandaza and Flood, the former forced a decent save from Langfield only for Feeney to blast over from close range with the goal gaping. Aberdeen recovered slightly as half time approached and could have found a route back in the game but for Zaluska making a vital touch to a Lee Miller set piece effort, the Pole just doing enough to divert a well hit shot from 25 yards onto the post to protect United’s lead going into half time.

Into the second half and Aluko, who was looking dangerous on the left, hit an early cross which was met by Darren Mackie at the back post who headed across goal and wide when he should have done better. Zaluska then made a fine save moments later as Aberdeen increased the pressure, superbly turning a Miller header over the bar following a Richard Foster cross. Aberdeen then pulled a goal back in the 66th minute when Mackie headed into the corner of the net after Miller headed a Foster cross into his path barely 6 yards out. The next goal was going to be crucial and United should have scored in the 75th minute, when after robbing Kerr in midfield, Scott Robertson had plenty time to pick out Sandaza unmarked in the box. Unfortunately for United, the striker took a slightly heavy first touch and could only squeeze his shot agonisingly wide of the post. United had plenty chances to hit on the counter as Aberdeen pushed forward but too often the final ball was missing and they were almost made to pay with 2 minutes remaining when Mackie had a close range tap in disallowed due to an offside flag after Zaluska had parried a Mulgrew delivery into his path. The home side dug in deep however to ensure there was no further damage before the final whistle.