Dundee Utd1–1Aberdeen

There was a great feeling of optimism amongst both sets of supporters ahead of this local derby contest, which was reflected by a larger than normal Tannadice attendance. Ian McCall made just a single change to the side which triumphed two weeks earlier against Inverness, with James Grady starting up front alongside Jim McIntyre. Jason Scotland wasn’t included in the squad having just returned from international duty with Trinidad and Tobago. Mark Wilson started in his usual place after an injury had kept him out of the Scotland Under 21 squad, however new signing Karim Kerkar wasn’t fit enough to make his debut. Jimmy Calderwood’s side included Darren Mackie and Michael Hart in place of John Stewart and Steven Tosh, who had started against Livingston.

From the kick-off United pressed for the opener however despite a serious of dangerous balls into the box, a clear-cut opportunity proved elusive. The home side were dealt a serious blow after 7 minutes when a counter attack from the visitors resulted in the opening goal. Derek Adams won the ball wide on the right, and despite appearing to handle, he was allowed to progress into the United half before playing the ball to Darren Mackie who did well to hold off his defender before angling a well-placed shot beyond Tony Bullock. Barry Robson had a chance to equalise 4 minutes later however he could only screw an effort wide after the ball fell to him on his weaker right side. McIntyre was presented with a clearer sight on goal shortly afterwards and this time his effort was deflected for a corner after some good build-up play from the hosts. There was a brief period of stalemate with neither midfield able to impose themselves upon an eagerly fought encounter. After 32 minutes Steven Craig had a glimpse of goal for Aberdeen however his run into the box ended with a deflected shot which brought his side a corner. Centre back Russell Anderson almost presented McIntyre with a chance when he headed back weakly to goalkeeper David Preece, however the striker was closed down and managed only to win a corner. The kick was taken by Barry Robson and almost found its way into the net with Preece punching the ball onto the post. From this followed an almighty scramble in the area before the ball fell again to Robson on the right. His cross was headed across goal by Chris Innes, however Preece reacted quickly to gather the ball at his feet with Billy Dodds rushing in. Despite this period of pressure United still couldn’t work an opening so therefore went in at half time still trailing to that early goal.

United again started the half the brighter side and proceeded to dominate the opening 10 minutes, with half time subsitute Derek McInnes proving influential. Despite much of the play being in the Aberdeen half, United were limited only to a couple of efforts from Robson, first a shot which was deflected and cleared then a header which was easily saved by Preece. In 62 minutes Aberdeen almost extended their advantage when Craig stooped to meet a cross from the right. The ball fell too low for him to get in a clear effort however he did manage to direct the ball goalwards at the second attempt, only for the United defence to thump the ball up field to keep the game alive. Andy Mclaren then came on in place of Dodds and almost immediately the winger sent in a dangerous cross from the right which McIntyre headed wide. It was a good chance and this proved to instill more belief in the United side. A period of intense pressure brought the home side 3 successive corners but still not the equaliser the Tannadice faithful craved. With 72 minutes played winger Robson made a strong run from wide left and created space for a shot which, despite being struck powerfully, was straight at Preece and he was able to gather. It appeared that despite intense pressure this was just not to be United’s day with time fast running out. Substitute Collin Samuel had not given up hope however and United were rightly awarded a penalty when his run into the box was ended by Zander Diamond. Mark Wilson was handed the task of squaring the game and made absolutely no mistake, firmly placing the ball into the top right hand corner. There were no serious opportunities for either side to grab the winner during the remaining minutes and the game finished all square.