Dundee Utd 0
Aberdeen 2
League Cup (Semi Final)

Match Report

After the saga of last season's Scottish Cup semi, both sides knew that a decision would be reached on the night with extra-time and penalties to decide the issue. Unlike the cagey nature of all last season's Scottish Cup semi-finals, this was a typical Cup tie which got off to a sensational start.

Charlie Nicholas cleverly made room for himself and Billy Thomson had to turn the chipped shot for a corner. From the corner the ball was headed back into the middle and John Hewitt's looping header found the empty net. A spell of United pressure ensued but without Snelders being put under pressure. Charlie Nicholas took advantage of a slack pass back by Alex Cleland, but his drive went straight across the face of the goal. Snelders was in action shortly afterwards blocking Jim Mclnally's progress. The game ebbed and flowed with chances at both ends. Kevin Gallacher had a good run into the box, but his shot was wide. Billy Thomson had a fine save, plucking a Bett shot out of the air, and the half ended with Nicholas shooting past.

If Aberdeen had the better of the first half, the start of the second half belonged to United. Alex Cleland shot over following a corner immediately after the re-start, then a header from Mixu down to Kevin Gallacher whose shot was touched over by Snelders. We had a penalty claim turned down after 56 minutes when Mixu appeared to be bundled off the ball. Kevin Gallacher fired in a shot which Snelders saved well as the United pressure continued. We looked to have equalised when Mixu's header beat Snelders, but the goal was disallowed. Snelders was again in action to turn a shot from Dave Narey round the post.

The minutes ticked away and as so often happens when a team is pressing so hard, the opposition score. A ball out to Brian Grant on the left was centred by the substitute and Davie Dodd's head-flick put the Dons two up. Still, we didn't give up and Snelders shut out Dave Bowman and the flying Dutchman turned a tremendous 20 yarder round the post, but it wasn't to be and for once Dens as a lucky venue let us down.