Aberdeen 3 - 0 Dunfermline Athletic

Aberdeen had drawn 1-1 at Dunfermline in the League Cup on 17th August. For 65 minutes in this return game at Pittodrie, Dunfermline's Norwegian goalkeeper, Geir Karlsen, was unpopular with the Dons' fans in the 7000 crowd because of his heroics. Within six minutes all his earlier brilliance was forgiven.

Although early play was scrappy, Aberdeen held the initiative and Billy Williamson had a shot blocked while Willie Young outjumped McNicoll at a corner-kick but headed wide. Kinninmonth then sent Watson through and Jim Hermiston and Young combined to clear the danger. Twice Ian Purdie wasted free kicks at the edge of the penalty box and the Dunfermline defence was taking no chances, with first-time indiscriminate clearances the priority. Another free-kick, this time taken by Chic McLelland, was headed on by Joe Smith to Drew Jarvie, who narrowly missed scoring. The Fifers gained their first corner after 23 minutes but failed to take advantage of it. The Dons began to step up the pressure, but, although Karlsen was getting plenty to do. he was seldom under any real pressure. There were too many dainty touches from the home team which suited the uncompromising visiting defence. In the last 10 minutes of the half Aberdeen piled on the pressure and Karlsen was really having to perform bravely. He saved brilliantly in quick succession from Young, Eddie Thomson, Williamson (twice) and Jarvie (also twice).

Arthur Graham almost scored early in the second period but was baulked by the seemingly invincible Norwegian 'keeper. A minute later Jarvie laid on an open goal for Thomson but his trundling shot was cleared off the line by Dunfermline's Thomson. Now the fans were getting something to shout about! In the 59th minute Aberdeen had an amazing double escape when Davidson hit the post and, from the rebound, Sinclair hit the cross¬bar. Aberdeen had lost control in midfield and seemed to be disheartened at not putting the ball past the indomitable Karlsen. Out of the blue Aberdeen struck gold with three goals in the space of six minutes. In 65 minutes a McLelland free-kick was headed by Thomson to Jarvie and his header went under Karlsen's body. At this point Billy Pirie replaced Smith. In 69 minutes Jarvie headed the ball to Williamson, who shot high into the net. Seconds later a splendid save foiled Graham but in 71 minutes the 'keeper had to admit defeat again when Purdie ran on to a Jarvie pass to blast the ball home from the edge the box. A youthful John McMaster then replaced Graham and the game finished with Aberdeen comfortable winners - eventually.

Source: Match Programe,19th August 1992