Dundee 1
Aberdeen 5
League Cup (Group 2)

Match Report

I know you'll find this difficult to believe, but for the opening 20 minutes Dundee had 100 per cent. of this game. Aberdeen didn't manage one shot at goal.

Things looked really black for the Dons when Doug Rougvie was stretchered off. They had to hurriedly regroup drawing Cooper back to central defence and Strachan to midfield to accommodate sub Black up front.

Instead, everything came up roses for the men in red. Strachan being pulled slightly deeper afforded him the opportunity yet again to illustrate he's the most exciting player in Scotland, if not Britain.

Gordon dictated the destination of this tie with a breath taking performance. He scored four times and instigated Aberdeen's other goal.

He also had a rare headed goal disallowed for offside although that decision was a travesty. No wonder Scotland manager Jock Stein looked relaxed and happy in the directors' box. I

f Strachan continues to show this sparkling form, Scotland must have decent prospects in their difficult European Championship section. Certainly Dundee's naive defending contributed to Strachan having a field day. They really do have quite the worse defence in the Premier League.

But don't take anything away from Gordon, who, to make matters worse, was allowed to leave Dens for a song not all that long ago.

He produced a highly entertaining performance full of skill with the odd touch of arrogant impudence. Just the job to lure the fans back.

Really though, serious questions must be asked of Dundee. After conceding a soft opening goal, they went to pieces. They stopped challenging and fighting-the very qualities which allowed them to monopolise the opening spell.

Their heads went down Immediately they went behind against the run of play. No wonder the home fans ended up mocking them.

Now it's time for the Gordon Strachan Cavalcade, however, Goal No. 1-Strachan pinged a great crossfield pass which held up in the wind for Hewitt. McKimmie should have cleared, but allowed the winger in behind him. Strachan made great ground to fire the cross into the roof of the net.

No. 2-Strachan clipped a clever pass with the outside of his foot to release Kennedy. Bell headed the cross back to McGhee who scoredbdespite the despairing efforts of Glennie to punch the ball out.

No. 3-Hewitt crossed, McGhee backheaded and Strachan was un marked to fire home.

No. 4-Another slack piece of defending by Dundee presented Strachan with the ball 22 yards out.. He spotted Geddes off his line and chipped the 'keeper quite magnificently.

No.5-Fraser handled a Black header following Kennedy's cross. There was no way Strachan was going to miss from the spot.

Dundee's crumb of comfort was Stephen's goal from Ferguson's cross.

It really was a token resistance. Their pride was further hurt with bookings for McLelland and Glennie for fouls on McGhee. Dons hadn't a weakness. Dundee hadn't even a glimmer of hope.

Match report written by The Sunday Post