Midweek Battle Sparks Euro Memories
Last updated : 25 October 2005 By Stand Free Ed
The fans of east-coast rivals Aberdeen and Dundee United have fond memories of midweek battles. Unfortunately, these used to involve battling against the great and the good in European competitions rather than fighting each other for the doubtful glory of a Top 6 Scottish Premierleague position. That is not to say that both clubs do not harbour ambitions to become a regular fixture in European competition again, despite recent years of failing to live up to the standards set in the 1980s.
Dons goalkeeper Ryan Esson understands what is expected at Pittodrie in particular. He said: "Expectations are much higher after what we managed to do last season and rightly so because this club needs to be aiming high. We should be looking at shooting for a UEFA Cup place every year because that is the tradition here, that's what we need to be living up to. Of course, it does increase the pressure but I don't think that's affected us on the pitch, that's just an excuse and we're not looking for those."
Interestingly, both clubs relied on home-grown talent during their European adventures in the '80s and, after flirting with numerous foreign players and a foreign manager each, both the Dons and the Terrors have reverted to mainly Scottish squads in the 21st Century. In a time where Hearts are gaining plaudits for having a mere four Scots regulars in their table-topping team, the good work of Aberdeen, United and Hibernian in nurturing Scottish talent is being overlooked but their policies can only be good for the future of Scottish football.
Tonight, Dundee United head up the A90 for the rematch of the opening game of the season; a 1-1 draw that the Dons will feel they deserved three points in, even after losing an early goal to summer will-he/won't he man Lee Miller. Miller now stars as an expensive bench ornament for the Arabs, but Stevie Crawford, who headed for free in the opposite direction on transfer deadline day, will be starting his eighth consecutive game for the Dons after a successful start to his Pittodrie career. The former Par will surely be relishing the match as he faces United for the first time since ending his unhappy spell there, and will be desperate to prove a point to the management and fans alike.
Jimmy Calderwood told RedWeb: "Gordon Chisholm's team are similar to ourselves in many ways in that they have a lot of ability but haven't perhaps been performing as well as they should be. It was an excellent game between us at Tannadice on the opening day of the season but, as I've said, since then both teams have disappointed. There's no doubt though that both United and ourselves have squads well capable of being in the top six or indeed higher."
Kevin McNaughton is the only casualty from the weekend match with Hibernian. He damaged ankle ligaments and will miss out tonight and is likely to miss the trip to Kilmarnock next weekend. On a more positive note Chris Clark returned to training on Monday after breaking his foot, but he is not yet available for selection.
The match has a 7:45pm kick off, with will be cash turnstiles in operation at Pittodrie.
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