United made the better start to the match putting the Dons on the back foot in the opening minutes. Aberdeen then eased into the game and won their first corner in the 10th minute with Stillie eventually gathering to end the threat. Four minutes later Nicholson delivered a dangerous free kick that was deflected wide from a Byrne header. The subsequent corner produced an air shot from Byrne before it was cleared to safety. Aberdeen were now in control of the match as they continued to threaten the home goal.
In the 22nd minute Crawford was gifted a free header but unfortunately it was steered straight into the body of Stillie. Aberdeen should have opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Smith released Mackie. The striker made a great run then cut it back for Foster who sliced his effort wide of the target. Two minutes later Fernandez had a half chance but he put the bell well off target under severe pressure from Anderson. Referee Brines then awarded a rather soft free kick against McNaughton on the edge of the Dons box, but Langfield made a comfortable save from Lee Miller's effort.
A poor clearance by Langfield in the opening minute presented United with an early chance but McNaughton stopped Fernandez in his tracks and cleared the danger. Aberdeen then grabbed a deserved lead in the 49th minute when Crawford chested a Byrne pass into the path of Darren Mackie and the striker fired a right foot shot past Stillie from 18 yards. Aberdeen could only hold on to the lead for four minutes when a Brebner free kick delivered and the ball broke to Archibald who fired it into the Dons net.
Two minutes later Nicholson collected a long throw from Griffin and hit a decent shot that appeared to deflect off the heals of Darren Mackie. Crawford collected a knock in the 72nd minute and as he received treatment Considine replaced Foster and Calderwood changed to a 3-5-2 formation. Crawford looked to be through on goal in the 79th minute when he appeared to be fouled. No decision was given and a minute later Lovell replaced the goal scorer Darren Mackie. A minute later Griffin hit a speculative effort from 25 yards but the ball dipped over the bar.
Brewster was forced to substitute himself after picking up a knock and in the last minute Mulgrew fired a free kick wide of the target. Then a couple of minutes into injury time the home side won another free kick in a dangerous position and then forced a corner as Nicholson sliced his clearance. Aberdeen then broke but were unable to create a goal scoring chance and had to settle for a share of the spoils.
United | Dons | ||
Goal Attempts | 9 | 9 | |
On Target | 5 | 4 | |
Corners | 4 | 3 | |
Possession | 50% | 50% |