First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
Craig Brewster began his reign as United Manager with a well earned point as the New Firm could not be separated in a game which lacked clear cut chances.
The United legend opted to start on the bench, with Derek Stillie, Derek McInnes and Lee Miller given starting places as the side which defeated Falkirk the previous week was freshened up.
The atmosphere before kick off was electric but sadly the on field action struggled to live up to the hype during a tentative first half. Aberdeen were doing most of the pressing and allowing the United midfield little time on the ball. The best chance of the half fell to Richard Foster, who screwed a shot wide of the right post after being set up by a Darren Mackie breakaway. All the Tangerines could muster in the half was a David Fernandez shot on the angle which was never going to trouble visiting keeper Jamie Langfield.
Things livened up considerably after half time and, within four minutes of the restart, Aberdeen forced their way ahead. Richie Byrne sent a ball to the edge of the United penalty area which was knocked down by Stevie Crawford right into the path of Mackie. The Dons striker finished well with a low shot into the right corner which left Stillie rooted.
With the home players desperate to get the new boss off to a good start they immediately put Aberdeen on the back foot and were rewarded three minutes later with an equaliser. Lee Miller was barged on the right touchline allowing Grant Brebner to trouble the away defence with a dangerous free kick. After two Dons defenders attempted to clear their lines, the ball broke kindly for Alan Archibald eight yards out who blasted the ball low into the net underneath Langfield.
A double substitution with a little over half an hour remaining was greatly received by the home crowd, as both Brewster and Collin Samuel were greeted to the field by standing ovations. At this stage it was United looking the likelier to take the points and on loan Charles Mulgrew went close after Archibald played a dangerous ball into the box. The left back did well to get in a shot on the turn but could only find the side netting. Dreams of a fairytale winner for Brewster were dashed as the veteran striker was forced off the field through injury with around ten minutes remaining. Mulgrew again went close, this time from a free kick on the left side of the box, however neither side were able to provide any late drama as the match ended all square.
Man of the Match: Stuart Duff. Probably the most consistent performer throughout for United, putting in an accomplished display at right back - a position he wishes to make his own.
Dundee Utd: Stillie, Duff, McCracken, Archibald, Mulgrew, Kerr, McInnes, Brebner, Fernandez (Brewster 60), Miller (Samuel 60), McIntyre, Brewster (Robertson 87). Subs Not Used: Samson, Kenneth, Cameron, Goodwillie.
Aberdeen: Langfield, McNaughton, Griffin, Anderson, Byrne, Smith, Nicholson, Foster (Considine 72), Clark, Crawford, Mackie (Lovell 79). Subs Not Used: Esson, Severin, Dempsey, Winter, Stewart.
Att: 9,936
Ref: I Brines
Click here for the full match report by Ally Stewart.
The United legend opted to start on the bench, with Derek Stillie, Derek McInnes and Lee Miller given starting places as the side which defeated Falkirk the previous week was freshened up.
The atmosphere before kick off was electric but sadly the on field action struggled to live up to the hype during a tentative first half. Aberdeen were doing most of the pressing and allowing the United midfield little time on the ball. The best chance of the half fell to Richard Foster, who screwed a shot wide of the right post after being set up by a Darren Mackie breakaway. All the Tangerines could muster in the half was a David Fernandez shot on the angle which was never going to trouble visiting keeper Jamie Langfield.
Things livened up considerably after half time and, within four minutes of the restart, Aberdeen forced their way ahead. Richie Byrne sent a ball to the edge of the United penalty area which was knocked down by Stevie Crawford right into the path of Mackie. The Dons striker finished well with a low shot into the right corner which left Stillie rooted.
With the home players desperate to get the new boss off to a good start they immediately put Aberdeen on the back foot and were rewarded three minutes later with an equaliser. Lee Miller was barged on the right touchline allowing Grant Brebner to trouble the away defence with a dangerous free kick. After two Dons defenders attempted to clear their lines, the ball broke kindly for Alan Archibald eight yards out who blasted the ball low into the net underneath Langfield.
A double substitution with a little over half an hour remaining was greatly received by the home crowd, as both Brewster and Collin Samuel were greeted to the field by standing ovations. At this stage it was United looking the likelier to take the points and on loan Charles Mulgrew went close after Archibald played a dangerous ball into the box. The left back did well to get in a shot on the turn but could only find the side netting. Dreams of a fairytale winner for Brewster were dashed as the veteran striker was forced off the field through injury with around ten minutes remaining. Mulgrew again went close, this time from a free kick on the left side of the box, however neither side were able to provide any late drama as the match ended all square.
Man of the Match: Stuart Duff. Probably the most consistent performer throughout for United, putting in an accomplished display at right back - a position he wishes to make his own.
Dundee Utd: Stillie, Duff, McCracken, Archibald, Mulgrew, Kerr, McInnes, Brebner, Fernandez (Brewster 60), Miller (Samuel 60), McIntyre, Brewster (Robertson 87). Subs Not Used: Samson, Kenneth, Cameron, Goodwillie.
Aberdeen: Langfield, McNaughton, Griffin, Anderson, Byrne, Smith, Nicholson, Foster (Considine 72), Clark, Crawford, Mackie (Lovell 79). Subs Not Used: Esson, Severin, Dempsey, Winter, Stewart.
Att: 9,936
Ref: I Brines
Click here for the full match report by Ally Stewart.
