DUFC

UNITED DISAPPOINT AT PITTODRIE

16th February 2002

United found themselves two down within ten minutes this afternoon at Pittodrie and from then on, there was little chance of a comeback as the Dons cruised in to a 4-0 win to give Aberdeen their biggest victory in over a year.

Manager Alex Smith started with Lilley and Thompson up front with Danny Griffin lining up in central defence alongside Jim Lauchlan. Stephen Wright dropped out through injury and there was a midfield berth for Tassos Venetis who had scored in United's end of season win at Pittodrie last term.

Within three minutes, former Tangerine Robbie Winters had put Aberdeen ahead after Gallacher failed to hold the ball from an Aberdeen shot on goal. Derek Young then scored the second on ten minutes. United rarely threatened with the home defence comfortable throughout the match.

The contest was essentially over three minutes after the interval when Derek Young scored his second and Aberdeen's third. New signing from Manchester City Leon Mike came on as a substitute and netted the Dons fourth nine minutes from the end.

This was a disappointing performance for the 1,000 United fans in the 13,000 attendance. Aberdeen are almost certain to finish in the top six and are challenging for a UEFA Cup berth while United still have a chance to claim sixth position but their hard run in makes this an increasingly difficult task.

UNITED: Gallacher, Lauchlan, Easton, Lilley, Fullarton, Paterson, McCunnie, Aljofree, Griffin, Venetis, Thompson
Subs: Jarvie, Hannah, Winters, Carson, Cocozza