Dundee United 4 - 2 Aberdeen

With the team we fielded at Tannadice I was sure that we would collect our first points of the season, but unfortunately we could not subdue the enthusiasm and spirit shown by the Dundee United youngsters and went down by four goals to two. We had chances to score, but we didn't take them, and as the saying goes "if you don't take your chances you don't deserve to win" this certainly applied in our case.
Despite losing four goals young John Gardiner again distinguished himself in goal with many fine saves. Billy Williamson at right back gave a sound display and his forays down the right flank gave the United defence many anxious moments. Bobby Glennie on the other side had a lot of trouble trying to contain Kirkwood on the right wing, and Ian Hair had the same problem with Dodds, Dundee's striker. Willie Miller playing his first game after suspension didn't do too badly, but on occasions his judgement was out.
Our midfield trio of Robb, Gibson and Jarvie, did not function too well, although Drew did manage to get a goal for us before the interval. Up front Jocky Scott and Dougie Brown worked very hard, but the United defenders were not giving much away, although McKellar the goalkeeper dropped a Bobby Glennie cross, which give Doug Brown an easy chance to score. Doug Rougvie replaced Ian Gibson in the second half after Ian had suffered an ankle injury. Our team was: - Gardiner, Williamson, Glennie, Gibson, Hair, Miller, Scott, Robb, Brown, Jarvie and McCall - with Rougvie and Campbell subs.

Source: Match Programme, 4th September 1976