Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara felt his team were undeserved losers as they went down 1-0 to Aberdeen.
The Dons took all three points back up the road from Tannadice yesterday thanks to a headed goal from Kenny McLean that had a bit of luck about it.
Facing away from goal, the midfielder stretched to meet a David Goodwillie cross and sent a back-header on its way.
There didn’t appear to be too much threat to the United net but the ball looped up and then in off the woodwork.
McNamara said: “It was a bit unfortunate the way it has gone in off the bar.
“I don’t think they had any real chances.
“There were one or two times when they got in behind and played cross balls but I think we dealt with them.
“I don’t think we deserved to lose the match.”
Indeed, United missed a golden chance just before the interval which, in such a tight game, could have proved crucial had Mario Bilate scored it.
Instead, the striker took a touch too many and gave Dons goalie Danny Ward the chance to pull off a point-blank save.
McNamara added: “Their keeper had a good save from Mario and we possibly could have gone in 1-0 up at half-time.
“That would have changed a few things.
“Just when he took the touch I thought he was going to put it away in the corner.
“Having looked back at it, he maybe hasn’t put it wide enough of the keeper, although all credit to the goalie because it was a good save from the lad.
“It’s a thin line and these little things can happen.”
Despite the defeat, it was encouraging to see United’s new-look central defence of Coll Donaldson and Mark Durnan deal with the Dons for all but the McLean moment.
McNamara added: “I was pleased with the way we defended certain areas, particularly having two young centre-halves.
“Aberdeen are favourites to finish second but I didn’t see a lot in that match between us.
“They have a strong squad but I have belief in my own players that we can have a successful season.”
Bilate was replaced at the break by Darko Bodul and, worryingly, it is hamstring trouble once again that has caused him grief.
McNamara said: “It is a bit of tightening on his hamstring and we will see how he is tomorrow.
“Hopefully, he is OK.”