Dundee United 1 Aberdeen Women 2 ScottishPower Women’s Premier League Foundation Park Sunday 17 November 2024
Having progressed to the semi-finals of the Sky Sports Cup last week, Aberdeen returned to league duty with a win against Dundee United.
The Dons fell a goal behind on Tayside but showed great character to claim all three points on the road, after Francesca Ogilvie and Emily Kraft found important goals to secure a massive three points for Scott Booth’s side.
There was one change to the side that also came from behind to defeat Boroughmuir Thistle last weekend: Natasha Bruce made her first start since August, she replaced Hannah Innes.
Both sides battled through the first 45 minutes, with tasty challenges being made.
Aberdeen did have chances to break the deadlock with Miller and Kraft aiming for goal. Both efforts weren’t enough to trouble home keeper Mowatt, however.
28 minutes and Aberdeen had their best attempt when Gover hit a free kick from range just over the bar.
It was Dundee United who grabbed the opening goal 35 minutes in. A through ball for Katie Frew allowed her to send in a cross that was met by the head of Freya Brien for 1-0.
It only took Aberdeen two minutes to grab an equaliser however, Kraft was able to keep the ball at her feet on the right-hand side of the box. She hit a cross that was headed into the net by Ogilvie to almost immediately level the contest.
Just before half time United were close to getting a second when their striker hit a volley which bounced off the woodwork.
Half-time. Dundee United 1-1 Aberdeen Women.
Scott Booth’s side looked more threatening in the opening stages of the second half, with Kraft and Ogilvie both seeing chances go close.
The side thought they grabbed a second in the 52nd minute from a corner. The ball bobbled along the goal line and despite shouts of a goal, the referee decided otherwise.
After a lengthy delay due to a United player being stretchered off, Aberdeen finally got their second of the game.
There was an abundance of half chances for the Dons but with every missed opportunity things were getting more and more twitchy on Tayside. Thankfully, that goal did come.
A Noble corner found Kraft at the back post to head the ball into back of the net, her goal met by joyous celebrations from the Dons who finally had a deserved lead at Foundation Park with 15 to go in the contest.
The closing stages were expertly navigated with little drama and Aberdeen were able to breathe a big sigh of relief at full-time after a vitally important three points were secured.
The Dons return to the Balmoral Stadium next Sunday for a tricky encounter against Hearts.
STATS
Aberdeen: Sidey, Noble, Bruce (65), Jameison, Gover, Stewart, Miller (65), Ogilvie, McEvoy (85), Kraft, Black
Subs: McCann, Edwards, Murray (85), MacPherson, Fraser, Innes (65), Thomson (65), Elder
BOOKED: Bruce, Black
GOALS: Ogilvie 37′ Kraft 74′
Dundee United: Mowatt, Frew, Cusack, Robertson, Sidey, Christie (73), Cowie, Steedman (82), Knight, Brien, Timlin (65)
Subs: Martindale, Moodie, McFadyen (73), Osborne (82), Logan, Burns, Taylor (65), Hutchison
