Dundee United 1 Aberdeen 1

Last updated : 11 September 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Despite being reduced to ten men, Aberdeen survived a second-half onslaught to maintain their unbeaten record and retain second spot in the SPL.

But yet again, for the third match in a row at Tannadice, the major talking point was the controversy surrounding the officials and for Ian McCall, yet again, a huge sense of injustice.

Bizarrely, it seemed as if the Tangerines were underdogs at the kick-off such was the noise of the huge travelling support. And it became reality in the seventh minute when the Dons took the lead in controversial circumstances.

As United pushed forward, Derek Adams appeared to punch the ball to prevent Mark Wilson from progressing. Unsighted, the referee waved played on as McCall vented his fury at the assistant. Meanwhile Adams, playing to the whistle, fired a cross-field ball to Darren Mackie who coolly held off the advances of Mark Kerr to slip the ball into the net.

The infuriated Tangerines replied with Barry Robson wasting a good opportunity two minutes later skewing his shot with only the keeper to beat. Then Jim McIntyre's shot was well-blocked by young player of the month, Xander Diamond.

The game continued to mirror a pendulum with United going close twice in two minutes. Firstly, Robson's inswinging corner appeared to be going straight in only for David Preece to frantically punch the ball off the line. The resulting cross was then headed down by Chris Innes and appeared to be going in before the keeper dived to stop it.

United opened the second period with captain Derek McInnes replacing the ineffective Kerr. This certainly made a difference to the hosts as they tightened up the midfield and pushed further and further forward.

Despite this pressure, it was Aberdeen who should have scored again. Mackie's cross was headed towards goal by Steven Craig but the ball was blocked and then spilled by Tony Bullock only for Kevin McNaughton to miss the follow-up and allow the keeper to gather.

The Aberdeen defence continued to live dangerously. Only a superb 73rd save from Preece prevented Robson from equalising after the midfielder weaved past three players after a near miss by McIntyre.

As the sun broke through the clouds the light shone on United when they were awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute. Diamond left his leg trailing for substitute Collin Samuel to go to ground. A soft penalty, but nevertheless Mark Wilson took full advantage and blasted the resultant kick into the net for a deserved equaliser.