No fairytale ending as late strike sees United make top six.
Dundee United 1 | Boulding (90+3)
Aberdeen 0
Clydesdale Bank SPL | Tannadice | FT | Att: 8,577
Craig Brown and Archie Knox’s last game in charge ended in high drama and huge disappointment as a late goal saw them go down to a narrow defeat this afternoon at Tannadice as the Dons agonisingly just missed out on a top six spot. The Dons needed Dundee to do them a favour at Rugby Park which they did, but Aberdeen could not get the win they required.
In a game which was tense throughout and lacking any real quality, Aberdeen made a strong start to the match and probably shaded the first half although neither team had their shooting boots on or created any clear cut openings. United made a tactical change and also brought on Mackay-Stevens early in the second half and that made a huge difference to the home side. They dominated for long periods and Jamie Langfield made about five or six superb saves to keep the home side at bay. When news came through that Dundee had regained the lead at Rugby Park you thought it might just be the Dons day.
In the closing stages Nicky Low came on for Aberdeen and he looked lively. Rory Fallon also came on and the striker created one or two chances with McGinn also forcing a fine save from Cierzniak.
Aberdeen gathered themselves for a strong finish and through everyone forward but with defenders out of position, the last play of the game saw Boulding score to take United into the top six and leave the large away support devastated.
It is the fourth season in a row that Aberdeen will be finishing the season in the bottom six.
Aberdeen (4-4-2) | Langfield, Shaughnessy (Pawlett 85′), Naysmith, Rae, Anderson, Reynolds, Jack, Vernon, McGinn, Magennis (Fallon 78′), Hayes (Low 70′).
Subs not used | Twardzik, Milsom , Hughes, Smith
RedWeb Match report | click here
RedImages from Tannadice | click here
Quotes from the Press Room | click here
RedTV reaction
Craig Brown reflects on his final game in charge of the Dons on RedTV | click here
Craig then spoke to the media | click here
Captain Russell Anderson also spoke to the media | click here
Jamie Langfield gave his reaction to RedTV | click here
SPL Fixtures | Please note the SPL will publish the post-split fixtures at some point on Monday April 8. Games will be played on the weekends of April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11 and May 18.
