Dundee Utd 0
Aberdeen 1
League Cup (Semi Final 1st Leg)

Match Report

This latest clash between the new firm produced little in the way of constructive football and plenty in the way of field offences! No less than nine players were booked (four United and five Dons) and a second booking meant Richard Gough was ordered off 20 minutes from the end. By then Aberdeen had already taken the lead in this ill tempered contest. Willie Miller was the instigator. Breaking from defence he found Hewitt on the left and the winger's cross was met by Eric Black who bulleted in a header at the far post.

In a match where flowing football was a rarity, United failed to create many chances in the penalty box, but still had their moments, chiefly from long range. Maurice Malpas sent in a stinging volley which Leighton did well to divert for a corner just before halftime. Mid-way through the second period Davie Dodds hooked in a Maurice Malpas free-kick and that just scraped the wrong side of the bar.

So United now have a not unfamiliar scenario ahead of them at Pittodrie next week, because they are in exactly the same position as in 1981-82 when they travelled north, trailing by a goal, only to win 3-0. A repeat would be most welcome.