The atmosphere created by the fans who sat, rain-soaked, through 90 absorbing minutes was reminiscent of the ghostly days of the 'New Firm' derbies when Sir Alex Ferguson and Jim McLean were adversaries with Aberdeen and Dundee United.

This energy-packed game may not have produced the number of goalmouth thrills they might have anticipated, but there was, nonetheless, an excitement that even the 2000 tangerine-clad supporters would have enjoyed.

Calvin Zola's tap-in at the back post inflicted the damage that sent them home disgruntled. However, it was a goal that even Denis Law, one of Aberdeen's favourite sons and a guest at this game, would have relished.

But if Zola sealed the points for the home side, it was their goalkeeper Jamie Langfield who was just as central to victory, throwing his body in front of a late David Goodwillie strike to prevent a United equaliser.

"It was a defining moment," said Derek McInnes, the Aberdeen manager. "Jamie is as good a goalkeeper as there is in the SPFL and has been excellent for us since I have been at the club. We showed character and resilience against a very good United side. We were a bit disjointed at the end. Our supporters helped us over the line."

Central to the Aberdeen performance was the display of former United midfielder Willo Flood who, despite being advised at the interval to retire from proceedings because of an ankle injury sustained in the first half, opted to play on. The visitors were certainly impressive as they shifted the ball with precision and speed. Goodwillie was always a threat, as was Nadir Ciftci who spent much of the match tormenting Joe Shaughnessy down the left flank.

Yet there were few really testing moments for either goalkeeper, even when the visitors mounted a series of late bombardments in their efforts to rescue a point, which many might argue they deserved.

The match, however, was won in the 54th minute when Sean Dillon, the United captain, allowed Niall McGinn's low cross from the left to slip past him, and Zola touched home the ball. For the centre-forward, it was a special moment. He said: "We feel we have quality in our side and the build-up to the goal with Peter Pawlett and Niall McGinn was excellent and if we continue playing like that we will do well this season."

For United, there were moments, such as Keith Watson's close-range scissor-kick which trickled inches past Langfield's post, that rattled the home side, the visitors showing they were in no mood to simply sit back and hope to counter attack.

And when Gary Mackay-Steven came on as a substitute for the underperforming Ryan Gauld midway through the second half, there were times when he looked as if he might breach the home defence, notably forcing Russell Anderson to make a crucial block as the winger shot from 12 yards.

For Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara there was much to be pleased about in his side's performance. "We were dominant for much of the game though a lack of concentration cost us" he said.

"We passed the ball well and I don't think Aberdeen caused us any problems in open play. Our 'keeper never had a save to make. If we play like that we'll win more games than we lose."

The zest and slickness said much for their progress since last season and Aberdeen were pleased to have Anderson and Flood starting after a period of injury, the latter having struggled with a hamstring problem.

McInnes disclosed last night that Prince Buaben, once of United's midfield, had been at the game as his guest, having trained with Aberdeen earlier in the week. However, while saying that the player, most recently at Watford and now a free agent, would be offered training facilities at Pittodrie, McInnes stressed that he will not be signed, though such a possibility would excite an Aberdeen support with renewed belief in a team flourishing under his direction.