United started strongly but Aberdeen almost grabbed the lead in the 5th minute when Clark collected a quick free kick from Winter and tested Bullock with a fierce shot that saw the keeper tipping the effort over the bar. Then four minutes later the Dons grabbed the lead when Diamond fired the ball into the net from 10 yards after United failed to clear their lines following another Winter free kick. Unlike Sunday the opening strike didn't trigger a goal rush and the two teams started to cancel each other out, as neither were able to create chances in and around the opposition box.
United were finishing the half the stronger but Aberdeen were holding firm at this stage without creating too much themselves. Diamond collected the first yellow of the game in the 40th minute for nothing more than a mistimed tackle on Barry Robson. A minute later a Scotland shot was deflected for another corner then the same player created another good chance as the home side looked to level before the break. However United fell further behind in the 45th minute when a Dons corner was only half cleared and Chris Clark delivered the ball back into the danger area where Stewart fired a deflected shot past Bullock to give Aberdeen a 2-0 lead. The Dons almost made it three in injury time when McGuire headed over from another corner kick.
Calderwood quickly reorganised things when Morrison replaced Stewart on the hour mark meaning both goal scorers were now off the park. Seconds later United equalised when the Dons lost possession and Kerr fed Scotland allowing the striker to beat Esson. A minute later Hart turned the ball on to his own post then hacked the ball clear as United took advantage of the extra man. The sending off had completely changed the make up of the game as Aberdeen found themselves on the back foot as United laid siege on the Dons goal. Aberdeen were unable to break out at this stage and were starting to defend deeper.
In the 78th minute Robson had a double effort when his first shot was blocked and the second screwed wide of the target. A minute later Aberdeen managed to get forward and win a free kick to relieve the pressure for a short while before United went back on the attack as they tried to force the elusive equaliser. With four minutes remaining Esson was forced to tip a Robson shot over the bar as the pressure mounted on the Dons. The numbers were evened up in the 87th minute when Ritchie was yellow carded twice in the space of two minutes. With the numbers even the Dons comfortably held on through the three minutes of injury time to seal the win.