United win sees Dons fall shortDundee United ensured Celtic were crowned Scottish Premiership champions with a hard-fought 1-0 win over second-placed Aberdeen at Tannadice.The Dons needed to win to prevent Ronny Deila's Celtic from securing their fourth successive title after they had defeated Dundee the previous night.But Derek McInnes' men could not keep the fight going another week after Robbie Muirhead's 13th-minute goal separated the sides.United created the first chance inside three minutes when Paul Dixon fed Muirhead, who had made space out wide on the left.His low cross was met by Blair Spittal, who cut inside before unleashing a shot which was blocked by Aberdeen defender Mark Reynolds.However, the visitors should have taken the lead in the sixth minuteJohnny Hayes' free-kick picked out Adam Rooney all alone inside the box but his weak header was saved by United keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak, who also denied Ash Taylor from the rebound.The Dons were on top and next up skipper Andrew Considine tried his luck from distance but his effort sailed well wide of the target.At the other end, though, United took the lead in style.John Souttar played a weighted pass forward from midfield which eluded Aberdeen defensive pair Shay Logan and Taylor.That allowed Muirhead to run though and he wasted no time in firing a left-foot shot on the half-volley past visiting keeper Scott Brown for a fine opener.It was Muirhead's first goal for United since joining them from Kilmarnock back in January and gave the hosts a real lift.Things went quiet for a spell and though Muirhead was keen to add to his goals tally, his ambitious effort from long range was nowhere near the target as it flew well over Brown's bar.However, Aberdeen ought to have equalised just before half-time
Logan's cross was missed by Rooney and fell for substitute Smith but instead of levelling, he hit his shot straight at Ryan McGowan who was on hand to block as the chance went begging.United made a change at the start of the second half as Aidan Connolly took over from Spittal.But it was Muirhead who had the chance to increase their lead on 48 minutes when he found himself clean through and hit a powerful shot with his left foot, but Brown palmed it away.At the other end, Aberdeen broke clear with Niall McGinn down the right and his deflected cross almost deceived Cierzniak before the Polish keeper gathered under his crossbar.On the hour mark, Rooney hit a low drive through a ruck of players only to be denied by the legs of Cierzniak.United were looking for a second and in the 79th minute Charlie Telfer hit a low 20-yard shot which was not far away.Aberdeen came within inches of an equaliser with six minutes remaining but Taylor could not connect at the far post from Hayes' free-kick
Source : PA
Source: PA