McLaren dumps Dons

Andy McLaren celebrates his goal at Pittodrie

Aberdeen 0-1 Dundee United

Andy McLaren hit an early goal for Dundee United as Ian McCall's side earned their second win of the season, beating Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

With the home side struggling to create chances, United looked the brighter team in the final third of the park and the win sees them leapfrog the hosts into tenth spot.

It was McLaren's third goal in six United appearances and, with more good performances like his first half display, the winger should extend the short-term deal he agreed at Tannadice at the end of August.

United had a strong claim for a penalty in the seventh minute when Craig Easton fired a shot against Phil McGuire's arm from point-blank range but referee Ian Brines decided to give the defender the benefit of the doubt.

The visitors had only four minutes to wait to scorer the opener with Mark Wilson's impressive run and pass from halfway picking out McLaren wide on the left.

The former Kilmarnock winger took one touch and unleashed a shot which took a huge deflection off Dons skipper Russell Anderson and flew into the net.

Aberdeen almost hit back through DAvid Zdrilic but, despite controlling a Scott Muirhead cross on his chest and being unmarked 14 yards out, the Australian fired wildly over the bar.

The game was stopped in the 27th minute when Kevin McNaughton was involved in an accidental clash with Jim Paterson and the Dons defender was stretchered off to be replaced by Chris Clark.

Wilson tried his luck from a free kick 25 yards out and, despite not connecting with the ball as well as he could have, his shot found its way past the wall and forced David Preece into a diving save.

Aberdeen carved out a good chance with Markus Heikkinen and Zdrilic combining well to set up Scott Booth, but the former Scotland international but swung wildly at the ball and sent it spinning wide.

United were almost left to rue a goalkeeping blunder in the 62nd minute when Paul Gallagher spilled a Steve Tosh shot and almost allowed Booth in on goal. Fortunately for United, McCracken was on hand to clear.

United should have put the result beyond any doubt with 15 minutes remaining when Jim McIntyre latched on to a short passback by McGuire.

The former Kilmarnock man raced in on Preece but the goalkeeper narrowed the angle well and managed to crowd the striker out.

Aberdeen substitute Leigh Hinds thought he had scored in injury time, after prodding the ball home from six yards but was flagged offside.

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Aberdeen: Preece, Deloumeaux, Anderson, McGuire, McNaughton (Clark 28), Tosh, Heikkinen, Sheerin (Mackie 76), Muirhead, Booth, Zdrilic (Hinds 76). Subs Not Used: Hutton, Diamond.

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Wilson, McCracken, Innes, Archibald, McLaren (Coyle 80), Easton, McInnes, James Paterson (Robson 63), Dodds (Griffin 69), McIntyre. Subs Not Used: Jarvie, Kerr.

Attendance: 11,244
Referee: I Brines

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