Aberdeen started in a similar manner to last week winning a corner in the opening minute. Clark's delivery was scrambled clear after Stillie fumbled the ball. In the 6th minute McGuire played a dangerous ball into the box, but Hinds was unable to capitalise on the chance. The visitors finally threatened in the 9th minute when Diamond was forced to concede a corner. From a second corner Dunfermline were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box forcing Preece to make a fine block on his six-yard line.

In the 12th minute a mistake between Diamond and Preece almost allowed Mehmet to score. Fortunately his effort was steered inches wide. A Dons corner in the 14th minute was easily collected by Stillie as the game settled. Aberdeen had regained the upper hand and the Dons went close again in the 16th minute when Morrison rolled a free kick into the path of Zdrilic and Stillie was at full stretch to deny the Aussie the opener.

Preece had to look sharp in the 38th minute when he stopped a Dempsey effort that had taken a wicked deflection on the way to goal. A minute later McGuire took a quick free kick and released Zdrilic through the middle. Unfortunately the Aussie failed to control the ball and the chance was gone.

Aberdeen introduced Prunty in place of Booth in the 71st minute. The Dons still held the upper hand with Clark in particular causing problems. Dunfermline were still dangerous on the break and they went close in the 75th minute when Wilson headed a Grondin free kick over the bar. Aberdeen should have added a third in the 81st minute when Clark was released by Hinds and despite being tripped Clark continued and had his effort blocked by Stillie. Prunty had another chance two minutes later but screwed his effort wide of goal.