Aberdeen 3 - 0 Dundee United

United carved open the first chance of the match in the opening minute, but Easton's effort went high over the goal without causing any threat. Three minutes later O'Donoghue had a more controlled effort but screwed his shot wide from the edge of the box after a good run by Hinds. There was little in the way of goalmouth action at this stage, but McGuire did stroll forward in the 11th minute to test Gallacher with a low drive. The United keeper passed that test comfortably.

Both defences were well on top with United looking as organised in that department as they have done for several seasons. The Dons wasted a good attacking opportunity in the 22nd minute when Deloumeaux elected to go for goal from a 35-yard free kick. A minute later McIntyre had a wild effort that failed to test Preece. The Dons almost took the lead in the 27th minute when Clark swung in a dangerous cross, which was almost turned into the net by a United defender. Fortunately for the visitors, Gallacher reacted quickly to save.

The Dons had a chance to extend their lead in the 43rd minute when D'Jaffo pounced on a stumble in the United defence. Unfortunately his shot was deflected wide and the ensuing corner kick created a melee inside the United penalty area, which was eventually cleared.

The second half followed the pattern of the opening 45 minutes with few chances being created. McGuire fired over in the 49th minute and a good run by Tosh in the 55th minute ended with a weak shot from D'Jaffo. Meanwhile at the other end United tried to step up the pace as they went looking for an equaliser. The closest they came was in the 66th minute when Dodds tried to convert a corner, but Preece made an impressive save.

Aberdeen then took control of the game as they relaxed and played some decent football. Derek Young and Darren Mackie were introduced and they carved open the visitors time after time. Hinds almost converted a Clark cross, Tosh had a shot parried by Gallacher and the best chance once more fell to Tosh. He once more waltzed through the defence, but neither he nor Mackie were able to produce the final touch.