Dundee Utd1–1Aberdeen

New season, new hope - that was probably the motto for United as season 05-06 was ready to kick off. After fighting relegation until the last few minutes of the final game back in May, there was real optimism that progress could be made this season. Competing in the showcase Tennents Scottish Cup Final and the resulting qualification for this season''s UEFA Cup led to a very healthy 12.000 plus crowd for the opening game. Aberdeen also contributed by bringing a substantial support down from the north, with the Pittodrie fans also buoyed following a very promising first campaign under the stewardship of the ''two Jimmys'' - aka Messrs Calderwood and Nicholl. In the end the New Firm sides cancelled each other out in a 1-1 draw. United lined up in their now familiar 3-5-2 formation with manager Gordon Chisholm handing full debuts to summer signings Derek Stillie and Lee Miller.

Miller had been barracked by the travelling support for choosing Tannadice instead of Pittodrie as his destination, when he decided to return to Scotland following an unhappy spell down south with Bristol City. He answered the cat-calls in the best possible way. Miller sent Stevie Crawford through on goal but Russell Andersen robbed him as he was set to pull the trigger. From the resultant comer, the big striker Lee Miller became an instant idol as he wheeled to lash the ball past the static Ryan Esson in the Aberdeen goal. The Dons tried to rally and new signing Jamie Smith came close with a shot from distance. However, the ex Cell''s effort drifted wide and the same fate befell a header from Anderson as the visitors sought an immediate response. Aberdeen began to come more into the game and assumed slight territorial advantage without particularly testing Dons ''old boy'' Stillie in the United goal. The Tangerines looked dangerous on the counter but again goal scoring opportunities were at a premium and as the half time whistle approached, it was the visitors who came closest to adding to the scoreline. Smith fed Scott Severin in the box but his effort was blocked by United skipper Paul Ritchie just as the midfielder seemed set to restore parity. However, it was a costly intervention, as Ritchie injured himself in the challenge with his former Hearts team mate. The stopper soldiered on with half time approaching but did not seem at all comfortable.

Having probably been slightly fortunate to lead at the interval, United almost doubled their advantage within seconds of the turn around. Andrew Considine and goalkeeper Esson dithered and Mark Wilson nearly took advantage. It proved to be the turning point however, as Aberdeen fully benefited from their narrow escape by breaking to the other end and tying the scores. Dundee-born Kevin McNaughton broke down the left, catching the United backline in disarray and his cross found Barry Nicholson, who had time to take a touch before blasting home to mark his first Dons appearance with a goal. Ritchie added to the home side''s woes by limping off with half an hour of the game remaining. Teenager Garry Kenneth continued his steep learning curve in the first team by slotting in beside David McCracken and Alan Archibald as his captain''s replacement. Although United were still involved in an attacking sense, it was the Dons who were creating the majority of clear cut chances and Nicholson, Severin, Chris Clark and substitute Steven Craig all found themselves in promising positions without putting Stillie under too much pressure. As the final whistle blew it was United who were happier with a point.