Two early goals from Billy Dodds gave Aberdeen a comfortable win after the striker cashed in on a nightmare spell. Motherwell defender Steve McMillan incredibly armed out an Eion Jess cross and Dodds rifled home the spot-kick. Then, in 22 minutes, Dodds added a second when he turned on a Mike Newell pass to side-step keeper Scott Thompson to hammer in the second. Motherwell pulled one back through Ian Ross midway through the second-half but they could not get the equaliser. The Dons were presented with a golden chance a few minutes after taking the lead through the spot-kick but Newell had an incredible miss in front of goal as he turned a Jess cross over from 10-yards. The second goal from Dodds killed the game.
Motherwell tried hard to get level but a Tommy Coyne chip was punched out by Jim Leighton. Then, Derek Whyte turned a Ross low drive round the post and Lee McCulloch sent an Owen Coyle pass goalwards to produce a first-class save from the Scotland keeper. Ross' goal came in 67 minutes after good work from Coyne and Coyle and the young midfielder finished it off in style.
Leighton produced a superb close-in save to deny Coyne and in the closing seconds Coyle lobbed the ball over from the edge of the box. Three players were booked - McMillan for handling the ball that cost his side a first minute goal and Aberdeen youngsters Russell Anderson and Darren Young. (Match Report from www.sportinglife.com)