Motherwell 0 - 1 Aberdeen

Motherwell were first out of the blocks when Aberdeen conceded a corner in the opening minute following a mix up between Anderson and Kjaer. As the ball was swung across Vaughan rose to head the ball over the bar. Aberdeen hit back in the 6th minute when D'Jaffo hit a sweet low drive, which Dubourdeau did well to turn round the post. The resultant corner saw D'Jaffo flick on Clark's delivery and as McGuire looked set to net at the far post he was pulled back by Partridge and the referee quite rightly pointed to the spot. Paul Sheerin made no mistake with the penalty kick to give the Dons an early lead.

Aberdeen pressed to increase their advantage, but as one attack broke down Darren Young was booked for a late lunge. In the 14th minute brother Derek almost pounced on a useful through ball from D'Jaffo, but the keeper was out quickly to foil him. At the other end McGuire was quick to cut out a dangerous cross and a minute later McAllister's interception denied a certain goal. In the 18th minute the full back was at the other end where his fierce shot was blocked.

Leigh Hinds replaced D'Jaffo at half time and one has to assume the Frenchman had picked up a knock as he was having a terrific game up front. The second half continued with end to end football with defences in the main remaining on top. Motherwell went close in the 55th minute when a Clarkson drive went inches wide of the post. Aberdeen then got a real break in the 63rd minute when first Kjaer blocked a shot and then Anderson cleared the rebound from the line.

Chris Clark found his way into Mr. McDonald's book for his first infringement of the match after several 'Well misdemeanours had gone unpunished. This was particularly harsh on the youngster as earlier in the half he had been thrown into an advertising hoarding with the perpetrator escaping any punishment. The home side was beginning to get the upper hand as Aberdeen started to look as though they were "hanging on". Mackie then replaced Derek Young in the 76th minute.

Seconds later McAllister made a tremendous tackle to stop Offiong from getting in on goal. There were loud appeals for a penalty from the home side in the 89th minute, but Mr McDonald was not interested. Then despite the fact that neither trainer had entered the pitch in the second period, five minutes of stoppage time were added.

This five minutes stretched to seven and in that time Mackie and Partridge were booked and Pearson was sensationally red carded although it looked as though the referee waved both yellow and red at the player. Given the fact that the player had not been booked previously the decision was baffling. In the end the Dons held out for a vital three points.