Aberdeen 0 - 1 Dundee United

ALL GOOD things must come to an end, but it's a pity that the Young Dons could not have maintained their undefeated run, which started on February 12, right to the end of the season. After a fine 1-0 win over Reserve League leaders Ayr United A at Somerset Park on the Thursday night, I confidently expected another success against Dundee United A at Pittodrie Stadium last Saturday. But it was not to be, and a 1-0 defeat could cost us a finishing place in the top six. Inability to take chances - our major weakness throughout the season - reasserted itself in this game. If we had possessed someone to stick the ball in the back of the net, we would certainly have picked up two points from our Tannadice visitors, who scored the match-winning goal in only the third minute.
It's been a long time since Chic McLelland missed a penalty kick and he would have to pick this game to fail from the spot early in the second half although keeper Donald Mackay made a fine save. Chic had quite a good game apart from this error, although he must learn to clear his lines better, particularly on the right hand side. We had no failures in defence. Andy Geoghegan played well in goal, Tommy McMillan was his customary steady self at centre half and John Craig gave another sound display at left back. John has been our most consistent player of a disappointing season.
George Buchan deserves praise for his efforts in two roles - first as a progressive right back and then as a full-of-running attacker after I sent on Jimmy Smith to take Charlie Elvin's place in the second half. George did not succeed in making the break-through, but he certainly produced a bit more fire which had been sadly lacking up front. Ian Hair had a disappointing 90 minutes. Joe Smith was always struggling to get into the game and Ian Purdie made little contribution on the left wing. Ian is a good enough player to provide inspiration when the rest of the attack is misfiring, but he certainly did not lift his or anybody else's game last Saturday. Young Bobby Street, who had made his presence felt with goals in each of his previous games, could not turn up trumps again, but he was always working. Jimmy Miller, I thought, did too much work instead of concentrating on his own link role. It does not help smooth teamwork if a player follows the ball all over the field.
Spectators at the game were Willie Miller and Andy Kerr, who have completed a successful season with Peterhead. Their Highland League "apprenticeship" is now over and I look forward to them pepping up the Young Dons attack next season.

Source: Match Programme, 29th April 1972