Aberdeen lead Dundee Utd at break

Aberdeen 1, Dundee Utd 0 (half-time)

Aberdeen lead Dundee United by the only goal after Paul Sheerin scored from the penalty spot.

The Dons have hardly been impressive, with the visitors looking more threatening over the 45 minutes.

But former Ayr man Sheerin grabbed the chance to put his side ahead when it came.

Tod’s aerial prowess was important for United and his clever knock-on almost set up Jim McIntyre with the chance to score.

The attacker nodded the ball into the path of his team-mate 20-yards out, setting the ball up nicely to be hit.

McIntyre had time to steady himself and shoot, but he pulled his effort and it flew well wide of the target.

Gallacher was forced into making a save after 27 minutes when Chris Clark’s free-kick caught in the swirling wind and fooled Bollan.

The United defender followed the ball into his own six-yard area and attempted to head it away, but it sliced off him and headed towards goal.

Fortunately for United, Gallacher was able to show great reflexes and make a diving save.

Aberdeen were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute and winter break signing Paul Sheerin gratefully accepted the opportunity to score his first goal for the club.

Clark played a cross into the penalty area for the former Ayr man, but he was knocked to the ground by McIntyre as both players fought for the ball.

Aberdeen’s usual penalty taker Phil McGuire has missed his last two kicks, so the onus fell on Sheerin himself and he placed the ball perfectly in the left hand corner of the net, with Gallacher sent the wrong way.