Steve Paterson recorded his first home win as Aberdeen manager and inflicted the first league defeat on new Dundee United boss Ian McCall.

The up-and-coming managers' paths crossed many times in the lower divisions before they walked out on a Division One championship battle to take over at their new clubs.

McCall had an impressive record over Paterson in the past - including a 6-0 win last season - but a goal on either side of half-time from Paul Sheerin and a 74th minute header from Phil McGuire gave the home side the points against a dismal United.

McCall sprung a tactical surprise, pushing Andy Tod into attack alongside Billy Dodds in a bid to use the utility man's height.

Tod carved out a chance for the visitors in the first minute when his intelligent flick sent Stuart Duff racing down the wing.

The Scotland Under-21 international delivered a cross into the area, which was cleared by the Dons defence only as far as Craig Easton, whose volley from 18 yards went high over the bar.

Neither side could grip a hold of the match during the first half and it seemed destined to end goalless, but with six minutes remaining, Aberdeen took the lead.

Chris Clark crossed into the penalty area for Sheerin, who he was knocked to the ground by Jim McIntyre as they fought for the ball.

Sheerin placed the spot-kick ball perfectly in the left hand corner of the net, with Paul Gallacher going the wrong way.

Aberdeen could have doubled their lead after 55 minutes when some powerful running from Steve Tosh opened up the United defence.

Former Falkirk player Tosh broke free of his marker and slipped the ball to Laurent D'Jaffo.

The Frenchman took a touch before hitting his shot, but it struck a United defender and Gallacher was able to save.

Sheerin added his second after 71 minutes. He was played in by D'Jaffo, who cleverly held the ball up until his team-mate got in a scoring position.

Sheerin hammered the ball low and hard into the far corner of the net giving Gallacher no chance.

It took only three minutes for the Dons to add their third with defender McGuire netting.

Stephen Payne delivered a deep cross from the right flank after Tod gave away a foul and the Aberdeen defender rose above everyone and nodded the ball past Gallacher.

McCall responded immediately with a substitution and a tactical change.

He withdrew Tod and replaced him with centre half Daniele Chiarini, pushing McIntyre into attack.

Tosh's running was causing problems for United's defence and his pace almost carved United open once again after 85 minutes.

The former St Johnstone man sprinted clear of his marker, went through the heart of the defence and past Gallacher. However, he over-ran the ball and the chance was gone.

Teams

Aberdeen Preece, Deloumeaux, Anderson, McGuire, Payne, Tosh, O'Donoghue (Fabiano 77), Sheerin, Clark, D'Jaffo (Derek Young 76), Hinds (Mackie 82).

Subs Not Used: Kjaer, Rutkiewicz.

Goals: Sheerin 39 pen, 71, McGuire 74.

Dundee Utd Gallacher, McCracken, Wilson, Bollan, Duff, Easton, Lilley (Smart 67), McIntyre, Paterson (Carson 53), Dodds, Tod (Chiarini 75).

Subs Not Used: Combe, McCunnie.

Att: 9,146

Ref: K Clark (Scotland).