Aberdeen 1-0 Dundee United

It was Tosh's first goal of the season

Steve Tosh celebrated the birth of his second child with the winning goal as Aberdeen consolidated their third-top place in the Scottish Premier League.

Dundee United had done most of the pressing before Tosh completed a superb passing movement with a clinical curling finish into the far corner.

Darren Mackie missed a chance to put the Dons further in front.

But the home side needed a couple of second-half saves from goalkeeper David Preece to ensure victory.

Both sides had made two changes to their starting line-ups.

Aberdeen captain Russell Anderson was missing through suspension and Phil McGuire deputised, while midfielder Steve Tosh replaced the injured Chris Clark.

James Grady replaced Billy Dodds in the United front line, while Stuart Duff a surprise selection ahead of Jason Scotland, with Mark Wilson being pushed into midfield.

United goalkeeper Paul Jarvie had to make a brave early save at the feet of striker Noel Whelan following a Tosh cross.

Aberdeen took the lead in the 26th minute when Tosh completed a neat one-two with Foster by side-footed a wonderful curling shot into the top corner.

Mackie had a good chance to fire his side further ahead minutes before half-time but blazed over from 18 yards.

Dons goalkeeper David Preece had to produce a couple of saves to deny Barry Robson and Derek McInnes from long range as United dominated after the break.

United substitute Grant Brebner claimed he was shoved inside the box as he chased Jason Scotland's cross and the loose ball was fired over by Wilson.

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Aberdeen: Preece, McNaughton, Diamond, McGuire, Morrison, Tosh (Craig 62), Severin, Heikkinen, Foster, Mackie, Whelan (Adams 76).
Subs Not Used: Esson, Muirhead, Stewart, Pasquinelli, O'Leary.

Booked: Whelan, Adams, Foster.

Goal: Tosh 26.

Dundee Utd: Jarvie, Wilson (Samuel 84), McCracken, Ritchie, Archibald, Duff, Brebner, McInnes, Robson (Kerkar 63), Grady (Scotland 73), McIntyre.
Subs Not Used: Hirschfeld, Cameron, Gardiner, Innes.

Booked: Robson.

Att: 12,038

Ref: H Dallas