League · Premier Division
Dundee Utd1–2Aberdeen
Paul Hegarty 43′
John Hewitt 20′
John Hewitt 37′
Lineups
Dundee Utd
Aberdeen
Dundee Utd · Starting XI
Aberdeen · Starting XI
- Jim Leighton
- Stuart Kennedy
- Doug Rougvie
- John McMaster
- Alex McLeish
- Willie Miller
- Gordon Strachan
- Neale Cooper
- Mark McGhee
- Neil Simpson
- John Hewitt
Dundee Utd · Substitutes
Aberdeen · Substitutes
- Andy Watson
- Steve Cowan
Dundee Utd · Substitutions
- Maurice Malpas for Billy Kirkwood60′
- John Reilly for Derek Stark70′
Aberdeen · Substitutions
- Steve Cowan for Gordon Strachan75′
- Andy Watson for Neil Simpson78′
Dundee Utd · Manager
Aberdeen · Manager
- Alex Ferguson
Dundee Utd · Cautions
- Not recorded
Aberdeen · Cautions
- Willie MIller57′
Match report
With St Mirren picking up a point at Celtic Park on Monday night in one of their two games in hand over United, this previously postponed match at home to Aberdeen from January had now become an important tie in United's chances of a place in Europe next season - a match the Pittodrie side had to win to prevent Celtic winning the Championship. Derek Stark's return from injury was United's only change from the weekends game at Paisley, with Maurice Malpas dropping to the bench. The game got off to a fast start but neither 'keeper was troubled early…Read moreRead less
With St Mirren picking up a point at Celtic Park on Monday night in one of their two games in hand over United, this previously postponed match at home to Aberdeen from January had now become an important tie in United's chances of a place in Europe next season - a match the Pittodrie side had to win to prevent Celtic winning the Championship. Derek Stark's return from injury was United's only change from the weekends game at Paisley, with Maurice Malpas dropping to the bench.
The game got off to a fast start but neither 'keeper was troubled early on. The first likely move came from Aberdeen after 14 minutes with Doug Rougvie and John Hewitt working well together on the left. Rougvie tried to lob Hamish McAlpine but the 'keeper made a good save. John Holt went close soon after with a header from a Ralph Milne cross that went narrowly past. Aberdeen went ahead after 20 minutes. Gordon Strachan played a cross field pass and Paul Hegarty was happy to concede a corner. Strachan took the corner and after McAlpine and Rougvie clashed, John Hewitt mopped up to score the opener. Jim Leighton had to get down quickly to smother a Paul Sturrock shot before the Dons went further ahead. John Hewitt beat both Stark and Hegarty before shooting from a narrow angle. McAlpine parried and the winger followed up to score. Just as half-time approached United pulled one back. From an Eamonn Bannon free-kick, Paul Hegarty found space and knocked home at the back post.
Holt came close again in the second half when he headed just wide. Then Hewitt almost got his hat-trick when a long range drive brought out the best in McAlpine. Willie Miller was booked for a foul on Sturrock and from the free kick Richard Gough headed just wide. Malpas and Reilly came on as United chased the game. As the clock ticked down, Aberdeen began to regain the advantage. United's play showed signs of desperation and Holt came the closest before the referee blew for full time.
St Mirren's defeat at Ibrox on the same night meant that there was still just one point between the clubs competing for that last UEFA Cup place.
The game got off to a fast start but neither 'keeper was troubled early on. The first likely move came from Aberdeen after 14 minutes with Doug Rougvie and John Hewitt working well together on the left. Rougvie tried to lob Hamish McAlpine but the 'keeper made a good save. John Holt went close soon after with a header from a Ralph Milne cross that went narrowly past. Aberdeen went ahead after 20 minutes. Gordon Strachan played a cross field pass and Paul Hegarty was happy to concede a corner. Strachan took the corner and after McAlpine and Rougvie clashed, John Hewitt mopped up to score the opener. Jim Leighton had to get down quickly to smother a Paul Sturrock shot before the Dons went further ahead. John Hewitt beat both Stark and Hegarty before shooting from a narrow angle. McAlpine parried and the winger followed up to score. Just as half-time approached United pulled one back. From an Eamonn Bannon free-kick, Paul Hegarty found space and knocked home at the back post.
Holt came close again in the second half when he headed just wide. Then Hewitt almost got his hat-trick when a long range drive brought out the best in McAlpine. Willie Miller was booked for a foul on Sturrock and from the free kick Richard Gough headed just wide. Malpas and Reilly came on as United chased the game. As the clock ticked down, Aberdeen began to regain the advantage. United's play showed signs of desperation and Holt came the closest before the referee blew for full time.
St Mirren's defeat at Ibrox on the same night meant that there was still just one point between the clubs competing for that last UEFA Cup place.