Aberdeen 2 - 1 Dundee United

HT Score: Aberdeen 0 - 0 Dundee United

SPL

Aberdeen scorers: Winters 51 (Pen), Zerouali 68.
Dundee United scorers: McIntyre 46

15/09/2001 | KO: 15:00

Dons make it three in a row at Pittodrie

Aberdeen made it three home wins a row as they defeated nine man Dundee United in a controversial match. After a goal less first half the game erupted at the start of the second half with Dundee United having two players sent off. The game was by no means a classic, but was an example of how the breaks were finally beginning to go the Dons' way. In previous seasons, a killer goal for the opposition just before halftime would have resulted in further misery in the second half.

A minute's silence was held in memory of those that lost their life in Tuesday's terrorist attack in New York. Aberdeen kicked off and went close to taking the lead in the 3rd minute. Bisconti played the ball into the United area and Winters looping header beat Gallacher and hit the cross bar. Two minutes later Bisconti conceded a free kick 25 yards out, but the Aberdeen defence dealt with the danger. The game then settled down into a midfield battle with little chances being created. McNaughton was giving the Dundee United defence problems with his probing runs on the right.

Steven Thompson went close in the 25th minute with a snapshot that he pulled wide and two minutes later, ex Don Jim Hamilton should have put Dundee United ahead. He latched on to a floated cross and hammered the ball against the base of the post. Darren Young nearly fluked a goal on the half hour mark when he blocked a clearance. The ball ricocheted of his leg and looped over Gallacher and inches beyond the far post. Two minutes later a Winters free kick was headed wide by Dadi.

The game was now moving from end to end and a Thompson header held by Preece was quickly followed by Bisconti steering the ball inches wide of the post. Aberdeen were starting to gain the upper hand but the final ball was never quite good enough. In the last move of the half, McAllister swung in a cross, but Gallacher managed to collect the ball as Dadi challenged.

Zerouali replaced Derek Young at half time, but it was Dundee United that took the lead from a Miller corner. McCracken nodded the ball back into the centre and McIntyre headed home despite Preece getting a hand on the ball. Winters should have levelled a minute later when he collected a Thornley cross, but he screwed the ball wide of the target. The Dons were level again in the 51st minute. Dadi made his way into the box and was brought down by McCunnie. Toner had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, but he then controversially sent the youngster off.

A minute later matters got worse for Dundee United when Lauchlan earned himself a red card after attempting to head butt Dadi. Although down to nine men, United should have regained the lead in the 54th minute. Preece brilliantly parried a Griffen free kick. Jim Hamilton was first to react and watched in disbelief as Whyte cleared his header from the line. Two minutes later, Stephen Wright replaced Jim Hamilton as United attempted to shore up their defence.

Aberdeen's numerical advantage was beginning to show and Bisconti had a 20 yard effort in the 61st minute, but the ball was hit too high. Four minutes later Zerouali showed great skill as he skipped past two defenders before driving the ball inches wide. He wasn't to be denied though and shot the Dons ahead in the 68th minute. Bisconti was upended by McCracken 20 yards from goal. The youngster earned himself a yellow card before Winters played the kick to Zerouali. The Moroccan took one step to the side and curled a right foot shot into the top corner of the net.

Winters went close in the 79th minute when he made a run across the 18 yard box and hit a fierce drive which Gallagher tipped over the bar. A minute later McIntyre headed over at the other end. Zerouali went close again in the 87th minute. He collected a Bisconti pass on the right, cut inside and hit a fierce drive just wide. Mackie should have sealed the match in the final minute. He unselfishly tried to set up Thornley and the chance was cleared.

Aberdeen Teamsheet
Preece, McNaughton, McAllister (Solberg 85), Young (Zerouali 45), McGuire, Whyte, Bisconti, Young, Dadi (Mackie 75), Winters, Thornley.

Unused Subs: Esson, Tiernan.

Dundee United Teamsheet
Gallacher, Lauchlan, Easton, Miller (Ventis 81), McCunnie, Griffen, Hamilton (Wright 56), Thompson (Lilley 78), Partridge, McIntyre, McCracken. Unused Subs: Combe, Carson

Bookings: Caution