Aberdeen 0
Dundee Utd 3
League (Premiership)

Match Report

United stormed to the top of the league on the opening weekend of the 2014/15 season with a stunning 3-0 away win at Pittodrie. United had failed to record a single victory against the Dons last season so it was always going to be a tough opening fixture for the tangerines. Jackie's first team selection of the season had a familiar look from middle to front, with the Manager sticking by players used extensively last season. However, at the back there were three debutants in the four man defence. Jarek Fojut and Callum Morris formed the central defensive partnership and Conor Townsend came in at left back. Former United man, David Goodwillie started up front for the Dons.

Backed by a sell out away end, United started the better of the two teams. However, the early stages were confined mainly to the midfield with neither team threatening. However, that all changed on the half hour mark. An error by Dons defender Taylor allowed Ryan Dow to nip in and cash in, slotting the ball past Langfield to the delight of the noisy travelling United support. United would have been content to go in at the interval with the slender lead so they were ecstatic when it was doubled immediately prior to the break. Great play by Nadir Çiftçi culminated in an exquisite pass to release Gary Mackay-Steven. With great composure, the attacking midfielder opened his account for the season, calmly rolling the ball under Langfield and into the net.

United firmed up in the second period with Jarek Fojut and Callum Morris winning everything at the back. They did have to survive a couple of penalty scares though, but never really looked like relinquishing their lead. As the game progressed, Aberdeen pushed more players forward and this played into the hands of United who countered at pace. Just like the first half, United were to get another goal late on. WIth 90 minutes on the clock, substitute Mario Bilate did a great job to pull the Aberdeen defence out of position and then lay the ball on for Chris Erskine who expertly finished from 10 yards out. A fantastic start to the season for United had the fans travelling home in good spirits and with great optimism for the year ahead.

Manager's Comment:
"Defensively our work ethic - as a unit from the back four onwards - we were outstanding. If I was going to be critical it would be our possession at times. To be fair Aberdeen put us under a lot of pressure especially in the second half, but I thought we dealt with everything.
They had one or two chances where maybe we rode our luck a little bit, but we still had a threat going forward and we could have made it three earlier. To a man we were very good today."

Fan's Comment:
"The perfect start to the season. Arrived at Pittodrie more in hope than expectation but over the moon to see a solid performance and the dismantling of many peoples favourites for 2nd place."

Match Photos courtesy of Riki Grauer - More photos available at:
Dundee United Official Flickr Page