Aberdeen 1
Dundee 2
League (Premier League)

Match Report

One thing you couldn't criticise Dundee for last season was giving up before the final whistle.

That was never better illustrated in the final game of the season at Pittodrie where they wound up the campaign in typical fashion, by again scoring late on.

On previous occasions such strikes may have been of varying importance.

For example, Kneissl's consolation against Celtic, whilst Savo's late hit earned a point against Hibs with Nacho's last minute penalty against Livi in midweek had merely sealed all three points.

There's no doubt however, that scoring late on is most enjoyable when it's a winner as was the case at Pittodrie. Steve Lovell ran onto Barry Smith's through pass flicked the ball over a defender before lashing home an angled drive.

It certainly sparked singing and dancing in the away end of the Granite City ground. Earlier Steven Milne had hit a 73rd minute close range equaliser as Dundee pushed in a second half that they dominated.

First half, it was a completely different story when Aberdeen worthily led through Foster who followed up to net after debutant Derek Soutar had parried Stewart's initial effort.

Jim Duffy revealed afterwards that he told the team a few home truths at the interval.

"I told them that if it had not been the fans, they probably wouldn't have jobs and it was up to them to give something back," he said and continued. "But for their commitment and dedication to the club, there would not have been a Dundee, so we owed them a performance.

"Our fans were magnificent again out there and they deserved better than they were getting, because Aberdeen had the better of the first half."

"I'm glad to say that the team responded well and came out with their sleeves rolled up after the break. I thought we played really well in the second half and created some great chances.

"As a matter of fact, it was frustrating because we made so many good chances, and miss them, but Steve Lovell showed how good a player he is with that finish.

"I think you could see out there that grown up a lot over the last year.

"Last season, missing a few chances would have seen his head go down but now he is focused on keeping getting into spaces and creating more opportunities."

Steve Paterson confirmed to the press post match that he intended trying to move for Dundee scorer Steven Milne.

Indeed, the Dons boss praised both Milne and Steve Lovell saying, "You can see they are top class strikers, I'd like them both.

He was never to get that chance with the sack only weeks away.

Match report written by Dundee Matchday Programme