Dundee United vs Aberdeen. Scottish Premiership.
Tannadice ParkAttendance11,048.
Match report as Jim Goodwin's Dundee United beaten by his former side Aberdeen; Police Scotland are investigating after Goodwin said he was targeted by projectiles, including coins, by Aberdeen "bad eggs" at Tannadice.
Sunday 5 March 2023 14:27, UK
Aberdeen ended their long wait for a Scottish Premiership away win by beating Dundee United 3-1 at Tannadice.
It was Jim Goodwin's first game in charge of the Tangerines after his appointment on Thursday, just weeks after he was dismissed by Aberdeen.
The early signs were promising for the new manager as the home side bossed proceedings in the first half but Duk gave the Dons the lead after the break.
The hosts equalised through Jamie McGrath's penalty but Aberdeen responded with goals from Ross McCrorie and sub Marley Watkins, sealing their first victory on the road since October 22.
As a result, Aberdeen are up to fifth in the table while United have now lost seven games in a row and remain rooted to the bottom.
The home side were first to threaten in just the second minute when Steven Fletcher found himself with a clear sight of goal but his effort was sent wide by Dons goalkeeper Jay Gorter.
The Tangerines were on top and they had another opportunity in the 20th minute when McGrath's corner from the right found Ryan Edwards but the defender's header was clawed away by Gorter.
Fletcher had another opportunity in the 37th minute when he was played through on goal but the Aberdeen keeper came racing out of his box to clear the danger.
The Dons had a half chance of their own but Bojan Miovski failed to control the ball in front of goal, with the visitors' disappointing half summed up in stoppage-time when Leighton Clarkson's 22-yard free-kick cannoned off the United
wall.
The hosts picked up where they left off at the start of the second half, with Aziz Behich swinging a dangerous cross in from the left but Fletcher could only direct his powerful header straight at Gorter.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute by Aberdeen. Duk blocked an Edwards' clearance and then raced down the left past the defender before cutting inside and producing a sublime backheel finish on the run.
However, United equalised in the 73rd minute after substitute Sadat Anaku was upended just inside the Dons box by Jack MacKenzie. Referee John Beaton pointed to the spot and McGrath made no mistake, firing past Gorter.
The Dons regained the lead in the 80th minute when Clarkson sent a great ball in from the left and McCrorie shot low past United keeper Mark Birighitti.
Aberdeen's tails were up and they made sure of the win four minutes later when Watkins sent a low curling shot into the back of the net.
Police Scotland are investigating after Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin said he was targeted by projectiles, including coins, by Aberdeen "bad eggs" at Tannadice.
The Irishman said: "I obviously wasn't expecting a warm reception from the Aberdeen fans. But I was disappointed that there were coins and other projectiles getting chucked down on top of me.
"There was a pie, a cup of juice, a couple of coins and unfortunately one of them landed on the top of my head. Thankfully it was nothing serious but not what you want when you go to your work.
"I have to say that it is definitely just a minority. There are always a few bad eggs who tarnish the rest of the club.
"Aberdeen is a terrific club and one of the best supported in the country - 2,500-3,000 of them down the road tonight supporting their team but a few mindless idiots have us talking about stuff we don't want to be talking about.
"It was disappointing but I am not going to go over the top with it and I am sure it will be dealt with."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers are aware of media reporting around objects being thrown onto the pitch at Tannadice Park, during a match on the evening of Saturday, 4 March, 2023.
"Whilst no reports have been made to Police Scotland, we are engaging with the clubs involved to establish the circumstances. Enquiries are ongoing which will include a review of CCTV footage."
Dundee United's next Scottish Premiership match is at home to St Mirren on 18 March, Aberdeen host Hearts on the same day.
Both games kick-off at 3pm.
