Dundee Utd 3
Aberdeen 0
League (SPL)

Match Report

A fortuitous goal from Noel Hunt and a superb double strike from skipper Barry Robson handed United a well deserved 3-0 victory in the third New Firm derby of the season. To round off a miserable day for the visitors, Barry Nicolson blasted a spot kick over the crossbar.

There were two forced changes to the United line up for the visit of Aberdeen. Garry Kenneth came in for the suspended Darren Dods and Craig Conway replaced Jordan Robertson who returned had to Sheffield United after his loan spell. Days after being freed by United, Stuart Duff was on the bench for the Dons.

The opening period took a while to get going and in fact it was 15 minutes before the first chance was created. Robson set up Grainger who fired in a rasping effort that Diamond deflected wide. Five minutes later United again went close but again Diamond saved the Dons when he blocked a Kerr effort from six yards out. The Dons finally made a chance when Nicolson only had McLean to beat but fortunately for United Dillon back-tracked and cleared to safety. Five minutes before the break, United had the best chance of the half when an inch perfect Flood corner found the head of Kenneth who headed wide with the goal gaping.

Five minutes after the restart United were handed the lead when Langfield blasted a back pass against the on-rushing Noel Hunt and luckily for United the ball spun over the keeper and into the back of the net. Six minutes later the Dons had a perfect opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a penalty kick after Kenneth downed Lovell in the penalty box. Nicolson took the kick for the Dons but much to their supporters’ dismay he blasted the ball high over the crossbar. This seemed to spur on the hosts and after that it was all United. With 13 minutes left a Conway cross from the left found his captain Robson who took the ball first time and volleyed past the helpless Langfield. There was more to come from the Scotland International when after being fouled at the edge of the Dons penalty box he stood up and fired a low shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net.