Aberdeen 3-1 Dundee United: Dons limber up for Hampden in style

Dundee United captain Jon Daly accepts it is asking a lot for his side to catch third-placed Motherwell after losing this Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash at Pittodrie on Saturday.

Irishman Daly netted for the 21st time this season, as his powerful volley from a Willo Flood corner cancelled out Darren Mackie’s opener, but goals from Chris Clark and Ryan Jack ensured the Dons would record a third win over the Tannadice men this season.

There was good news for Daly at the weekend as he was voted the league’s player of the month for March, completing a clean sweep for United after Peter Houston won the manager’s award and Gary Mackay-Steven was voted the best young player. But Daly acknowledged United face an uphill struggle to finish in third spot.

Motherwell dropped two points at Hibs yesterday but they’re still five points ahead of United, and Daly said: “We can do it but it’s going to be very tough,” Daly said.

“We know we are capable of going on another run and winning every game after the split, but even if we do that Motherwell could still win the majority of their games and finish ahead of us.

“We are going to need help from other teams.”

The striker was disappointed to see United’s six-game winning run in the league come to an end with their dismal showing at Aberdeen. He said: “It is a bad result for us and a lacklustre performance. Too many of us didn’t turn up. You can maybe get through a game with one or two who are below par but I think we had seven, eight or even nine. You can’t get away with it at this level.”

Aberdeen striker Mackie hopes his first SPL goal of the season can earn him a place in the Dons team to play Hibernian in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final this weekend.

The 30-year-old took full advantage of a rare start by capping off a hard-working performance with a superb chip over Dusan Pernis to break the deadlock.

Mackie said: “Hopefully it puts me in the manager’s thoughts for next week. Obviously I would love to be involved. ”

Mackie believes the win over United was the perfect result ahead of the Hampden showdown. He added: “It was important to get a good result against Dundee United and get the confidence high. We will have a nice week and look forward to the match now.

“It’s a huge game and everyone at the club is dying to get back to a final.

“Both Hibs and ourselves have had a few bad results this season so it is hard to say who the pressure will be on come Saturday. I think we start the match pretty even and with it all to play for.”