Aberdeen 1 Dundee Utd 2

Last updated : 11 September 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Dundee United won this fiercely contested East Coast derby as Steven Thompson underlined his Scotland credentials by netting both goals as United came from behind early on to deservedly earn all three points.

It was Aberdeen who opened their account after two minutes, Kevin McNaughton's driven cross caught Paul Gallacher and Ally Lauchlan in two minds and Darren Mackie nipped in between the two to gleefully head home.

United's response was immediate when in the next minute Thompson's glancing header from Charlie Miller's free-kick was only narrowly off target.

Only a superb save from Peter Kjaer stopped the big striker again when he got on the end of a Derek Lilley knockdown to fire in a drive from ten yards which had goal written all over it.

Back came the home side as McNaughton drove into the area where Gallacher had to look lively to avert the danger.

United deservedly drew level on 17 minutes when Miller fed the ball through to Easton, who in turn found Thompson who smashed the ball home from 15 yards.

United shocked the Dons again after 40 minutes when Thompson neatly chested the ball down and volleyed home from 30 yards past a static Kjaer.

Thompson looked to have completed his hat-trick after 52 minutes, but his powerful header from Craig Easton's cross flew just over the crossbar.

Back came the home side, with Derek Young's drive from the edge of the area flying just past the upright.

The Dons should have been back on level terms in 62 minutes when Eric Deloumeaux's cute throughball found the United rearguard square.

But with time and space Darren Young failed to find the target.

United almost paid the price for some slack defending as sub Scott Michie powered in a header which Gallacher got down well to save.

Aberdeen introduced ex-Manchester United player Ben Thornley for Derek Young after 77 minutes in an effort to salvage something from this game.

But all was to no avail as the home side failed to threaten Gallacher in the away goal