Dundee Utd 1-0 Aberdeen

Goal hero Robertson celebrates United's win at Tannadice

Ten-man Dundee United saw off Aberdeen at Tannadice thanks to a last minute strike from David Robertson.

Midfielder Willo Flood soured his Premier League debut, picking up two yellow cards in the first half.

Derek Soutar made an acrobatic save to deny Robertson, while Grzegorz Szamotulski made an equally impressive stop from a Barry Nicholson header.

United captain Barry Robson hit the woodwork with a shot before Robertson lashed in the winner at the death.

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The game started at a frenetic pace and there was little fluency as fouls and free-kicks peppered the early exchanges.

Aberdeen had more menace up front but it was the home side that came closest to the opening goal when Robertson was denied by a wonderful save from Soutar.

The former Dundee keeper superbly stretched out a hand to fingertip away a deft header from the United midfielder on the half hour.

Flood, on loan for the season from Cardiff City for the season, earned his first booking for a high challenge on Lee Miller and was sent packing for a dive, following a challenge from Jackie McNamara on 42 minutes.

Aberdeen striker Darren Mackie broke clear of the United defence at the close of the first half but his low drive was blocked by the advancing Szamotulski.

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Aberdeen started the second half strongly and Barry Nicholson must have thought he had scored when he powered in a header from Michael Hart's cross.

However, Szamotulski managed to get a hand to it and the ball skimmed off a post on its way past for a corner.

Stevie Lovell was introduced for fellow striker Mackie and the Dons substitute was immediately given a clear sight of goal but dragged his shot wide.

United fought their way back into the game with some impressive passing and a slip from Andrew Considine saw the visiting defender play the ball straight to Barry Robson.

With striker Noel Hunt screaming to be played in on goal, the United skipper went alone and was unlucky to see his shot slam off the base of the post.

The home side continued to press and they were rewarded when Robertson latched on to Considine's woeful attempt at chesting the ball back to his keeper and smashed the ball high into the net.

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Dundee Utd: Szamotulski, Dillon, Dods, Flood, Kalvenes, Robertson, Kenneth, Robson (Duff 88), Robb (Conway 15), Hunt, Gomis, Conway (Bauben 57). Subs Not Used: McLean, Proctor, Goodwillie, Johnny Russell.

Sent Off: Flood (42).

Booked: Flood, Hunt, Robertson.

Goal: Robertson 90.

Aberdeen: Soutar, Hart, McNamara (Mair 83), Considine, Foster, Nicholson, Severin, Clark (De Visscher 73), Jamie Smith, Miller, Mackie (Lovell 53). Subs Not Used: Langfield, Diamond, Daniel Smith, Maguire.

Booked: Mackie, Foster, Miller.

Att: 12,496 Ref: M Tumilty