Sapsford header beats Aberdeen

Dundee United are fourth in the Premiership after beating Aberdeen three-two at Tannadice. Zidane Iqbal, Dylan Tait and Zac Sapsford scored as United twice recovered from losing a lead. Sapsford’s seventy-second-minute header finally settled the match. United now have fifteen points from ten games and are unbeaten in five league matches.

Iqbal opened the scoring in the fifteenth minute with his first goal for the club. Nesta Guinness-Walker levelled from close range, but Tait restored United’s advantage two minutes later with a back-post volley. Connor Ronan made it two-two after the break. Sapsford then had a goal disallowed because Daniel Bennie was judged to have interfered from an offside position. The striker responded by heading Tait’s cross into the far corner. Jack Walton marked his one hundredth United appearance with a victory, while Lachie Rose had a stoppage-time header cleared off the line.

Jim Goodwin called the match a brilliant advert for the Premiership and felt United deserved the points despite Aberdeen causing serious problems. He said the opening ten minutes of the second half were poor and that Aberdeen merited their second equaliser. Goodwin was pleased that his players kept using the midfield and trying to play through the lines in the heavy conditions. He believed Sapsford’s disallowed effort came from one of United’s best team moves for a long time and described the VAR decision as subjective. He also praised Sapsford’s patience, movement and finishing after the forward came into the starting eleven.

Iqbal said his first United goal was especially satisfying because it came at home and helped secure three points. He explained that the rain and wind encouraged him to shoot when space opened outside the box. The midfielder also credited the squad for digging in against a physical Aberdeen side and said the home support gave the players extra energy.

Next up, United visit Celtic Park at quarter to eight on Wednesday evening. Celtic play Hibernian at noon today after losing two-one at home to Celta Vigo in the Europa League on Thursday. Goodwin says few people will give United much chance in Glasgow, but he believes the squad can cause Celtic problems and sees no reason they cannot go there looking to win. He will assess the players today after the demanding conditions against Aberdeen.

In the academy, Rangers’ official channel says its under-eighteens won Friday’s Scottish Youth Cup tie at Foundation Park, so United are out of the competition.

In the Women’s game, United host Gartcairn at Foundation Park today. Kick-off is at half past three.

Loan Watch. Airdrieonians said Ruairidh Adams was unavailable for yesterday’s trip to Ross County after pulling up against Hamilton. Airdrie lost four-nil. The club has not announced a diagnosis.

Sources:
Dundee United Football Club
SPFL
Dundee United Football Club
Dundee United Football Club
Celtic Football Club
Celtic Football Club
Rangers Football Club
Scottish FA
Scottish Women’s Premier League
Dundee United Football Club
Airdrieonians Football Club
SPFL