Ian Harkes scored the game-winning goal for Dundee United in their win over Christian Ramirez and Aberdeen in a highly-charged game.
Dundee United 1-0 Aberdeen
Dundee United would not be denied the three points as Ian Harkes put away the game-winner in their victory over Aberdeen to snap their three-game winless run.
Harkes went the distance for the Tangerines, completing 71 percent of his passing and winning one aerial battle, while Christian Ramirez also played the entire game, completing 71 percent of his passes, winning one aerial battle, and taking two shots.
The highlights from the first half came from one on-field incident and another in the stands as both teams saw players sent off.
The first incident occurred in the 42nd minute when Dundee’s Calum Butcher was sent off after getting involved in an altercation between his teammate Ryan Edwards and Ramirez. The Englishman would strike the American striker in the groin with his hand which then led to him heading for an early shower.
The next incident came before halftime when Aberdeen’s Belgian midfielder Funso Ojo was shown a second yellow card following an altercation with a Dundee United fan. Ojo had jumped over an advertising board to avoid injury and stopped in front of the stands when a fan pushed him. Tensions only heightened afterward, leading the referee to send Ojo back to the locker room.
The second half would see both teams battling to gain an advantage as they each played on with 10 men.
There were chances at both ends, but Harkes would be the hero in the end with a strike in the 80th minute. Scott McMann’s corner kick bounced through a sea of players in the area, and the American midfielder teed up for a side-footed half-volley that saw the ball hit the back of the net.
Dundee United now sits in fourth place with 24 points.