Aberdeen 1
Dundee Utd 2
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Facing a bubbling Dons fresh from European glory against Bayern, United were in contrasting mood after their defeat by Bohemians. These two sides had the meanest defences in the league so expectations were for a tight game at Pittodrie. A big crowd turned out for a vital match between the two form sides of Scottish football. United had to do without Paul Sturrock for the trip North.

United stormed over Aberdeen in the first half of this match with Ralph Milne the catalyst. United went in front after 25 minutes. Gough made a forging run forward and set up Ralph Milne who fired in a ferocious shot that smacked the underside of the bar and bounced over the line. Although there was significant protests from the Aberdeen players and fans. It took just five minutes for United to double their lead. It was Ralph Milne again who found some space in the Aberdeen box and steered the ball beyond the helpless Leighton from close in.

Aberdeen pushed United back in the second half as the desperately tried to cling to their own title hopes. They were given an element of hope in the 65th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Gordon Strachan calmly converted to spark the game back to life. Aberdeen got a boost from this and began to turn the screw. Their efforts were further enhanced with just under 20 minutes to play. Ralph Milne, scorer of the two first half goals, lashed out in retaliation after McLeish had fouled him with 17 minutes left. He did not appear to make contact but undoubtedly deserved the early bath, even if McLeish, who had dealt harshly with him on a few occasions, was fortunate to escape a booking. Aberdeen were now going at United in almost demented fashion. The standard of interceptions and tackling by Dave Narey and Paul Hegarty, assisted by the remaining 8 others was of the highest quality. United did adopt some time wasting tactics as the game came to a close as they desperately hung onto the two points. It was not a pretty game but the consequences especially as Celtic lost to Dundee, is an exciting three team race for the title. United are still the outsiders, but with the defence they have, they certainly shouldn't be disregarded.