FT: Aberdeen 3 Dundee United 0

By Sean Saranczuk
February 17 2003

United Slump To Yet Another Loss In The Fight For SPL Survival yesterday at Aberdeen

Steve Paterson recorded his first home win as Aberdeen manager with a 3-0 victory over Dundee United at Pittodrie.

A goal in each half from Paul Sheerin and a 74th-minute header from Phil McGuire gave the home side the points against dismal opposition.

Neither side could get a grip of the match during the first half and it seemed destined to end goalless, but with six minutes to the interval, Aberdeen took the lead.

Chris Clark crossed into the penalty area for Sheerin, who was knocked to the ground by Jim McIntyre as they fought for the ball.

Sheerin placed the spot-kick perfectly in the left-hand corner, with Paul Gallacher going the wrong way.

Aberdeen could have doubled their lead after 55 minutes when some powerful running from Steve Tosh opened up the United defence.

Sheerin added his second after 71 minutes. He was played in by Laurent D'Jaffo, who cleverly held the ball up until his team-mate got in a scoring position. Sheerin hammered the ball low and hard into the far corner, giving Gallacher no chance.

It took three more minutes for the Dons to add their third, with McGuire netting.

Stephen Payne delivered a deep cross from the right flank after Andy Tod gave away a foul, and the defender rose above everyone and nodded the ball past Gallacher.