Dundee United 2-1 Aberdeen: Analysis
Jim Goodwin said pre-match that going into the final game with a chance for fourth place was an achievement in itself, given United were only promoted this season.He was right. But given they went into the split with a nine-point advantage over St Mirren which rapidly disappeared, it might not have felt like a successful season had they ended sixth.As it happened they rediscovered what had made them an effective team in the Premiership at the crucial moment.Goodwin has kept it simple. A solid structure and hard-working players with a big man up front in Dalby who has been lethal in the box when given quality service through Will Ferry, Ryan Strain, Middleton and others swinging in crosses.When they turned to that after the first 30 minutes they got so much joy against a frail Aberdeen team and eventually their series of crosses paid dividends.It has not been a thrilling recipe but Goodwin understands what it takes to be successful in the Premiership.It is to his and United's credit that with a much-reduced budget and some significant injuries in a long season, they have finished as the league's fourth best side.Fans may want more in attack next season but all of that can wait. They can enjoy the warm glow of a fruitful campaign.
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