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matches

Aberdeen 3 - 0 Dundee United

HT Score: Aberdeen 1 - 0 Dundee United

SPL
Aberdeen scorers: Sheerin 38 (Pen), Sheerin 71, McGuire 73.

16/02/2003 | KO: 13:05

Sheer enjoyment for red army

After a dire first half Aberdeen comfortably defeated Dundee United to pull themselves six points clear of the Taysiders. A first half penalty from Sheerin had given the Dons the lead. The same player added a second in the 71st minute with McGuire completing the scoring two minutes later. The Dons could have added to their tally, but no one was complaining as the fans left Pittodrie with something to sing about.

United carved open the first chance of the match in the opening minute, but Easton's effort went high over the goal without causing any threat. Three minutes later O'Donoghue had a more controlled effort but screwed his shot wide from the edge of the box after a good run by Hinds. There was little in the way of goalmouth action at this stage, but McGuire did stroll forward in the 11th minute to test Gallacher with a low drive. The United keeper passed that test comfortably.

Both defences were well on top with United looking as organised in that department as they have done for several seasons. The Dons wasted a good attacking opportunity in the 22nd minute when Deloumeaux elected to go for goal from a 35-yard free kick. A minute later McIntyre had a wild effort that failed to test Preece. The Dons almost took the lead in the 27th minute when Clark swung in a dangerous cross, which was almost turned into the net by a United defender. Fortunately for the visitors, Gallacher reacted quickly to save.

Clark collected the ball on the left in the 33rd minute before cutting inside and unleashing a shot, which once more drifted wide of the target. Seconds earlier Preece had to look lively to collect a Tosh cushioned header as Dodds and Tod lurked dangerously. Aberdeen broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when Sheerin grabbed his first goal for the club by sending Gallacher the wrong way from the penalty spot. The award came following good work by Clark who swung a cross in from the left and as Sheerin himself rose to meet it he was body checked by McIntyre.

The Dons had a chance to extend their lead in the 43rd minute when D'Jaffo pounced on a stumble in the United defence. Unfortunately his shot was deflected wide and the ensuing corner kick created a melee inside the United penalty area, which was eventually cleared.

The second half followed the pattern of the opening 45 minutes with few chances being created. McGuire fired over in the 49th minute and a good run by Tosh in the 55th minute ended with a weak shot from D'Jaffo. Meanwhile at the other end United tried to step up the pace as they went looking for an equaliser. The closest they came was in the 66th minute when Dodds tried to convert a corner, but Preece made an impressive save.

United were to rue this miss five minutes later when Sheerin grabbed a second for the Dons. Good build up play between D'Jaffo and Hinds occupied the United defence allowing Sheerin to ghost in on the left. D'Jaffo rolled the ball into his path and he fired low past Gallacher to the joy of the home support. Fabiano was introduced in the 73rd minute to replace the hard working Ross O'Donoghue. Within seconds of his appearance the Dons secured the points with a third goal. Payne floated in a free kick and McGuire rose above the defence to head home.

Aberdeen then took control of the game as they relaxed and played some decent football. Derek Young and Darren Mackie were introduced and they carved open the visitors time after time. Hinds almost converted a Clark cross, Tosh had a shot parried by Gallacher and the best chance once more fell to Tosh. He once more waltzed through the defence, but neither he nor Mackie were able to produce the final touch.

Aberdeen Teamsheet
Preece, Payne, Deloumeaux, McGuire, Anderson, O'Donoghue (Fabiano 73), Tosh, Sheerin, Clark, D'Jaffo (Young 76), Hinds (Mackie 82).

Unused Subs: Kjaer, Rutkiewicz.
Dundee United Teamsheet
Gallacher, Duff, Paterson (Carson 53), Wilson, McCracken, Dodds, Easton, McIntyre, Lilley (Smart 67), Bollan, Tod (Chiarni 75) Unused Subs: Combe, McCunnie
Watch Highlights
Attendance: 9,146
Visitors:516
Venue: Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen
Referee: K. Clark, Paisly