United and Aberdeen battled out an epic cup tie just two weeks ago, but the first halfs action from Tannadice couldn’t be any further away from that tie.
Thankfully, the second period got off to a dramatic start with two goals in seven minutes of the restart.
First, Aberdeen took the lead when Byrne picked out Crawford with an arrowed pass and from his chested knock-down Mackie found the net with a low drive from the edge of the area.
However, that advantage lasted barely three minutes as Archibald restored parity after latching on to Jim McIntyre’s header from Grant Brebner’s free-kick.
Brewster then entered the fray on the hour mark, much to the adulation of the ecstatic home support, but his debut ended early after the former Inverness manager landed awkwardly after an aerial challenge with Dons captain Anderson.
The last opportunity of an evenly contested encounter fell to on-loan Celtic defender Mulgrew who attempted to curve a powerful free-kick into the top corner of the goal from an acute angle.
But his clever effort in injury time just eluded Langfield’s near post as Brewster’s much-anticipated return to Tannadice resulted in an evenly-contested draw.
Player Ratings
Stillie – 7
Did well with the little action he saw.
Duff – 5
Offered little going forward.
Mulgrew – 7
In the thick of the action whenever possible.
McCracken – 7
Continuing to improve game by game.
Archibald – 7
A goal, and what a thumper. Did well with Phil at the back.
McInnes – 7
Suprisingly effective, in a rare starting role.
Kerr – 6
Not often on the ball, but always a nuisance.
Brebner – 6
Out of posistion wide right, but came more into the game later on.
Miller – 6
Won a few fouls, and had some neat touches, but still not on form.
Fernandez – 7
He’d be on Soccer AM if they showed Scots football.
McIntyre – 6
Uncomfortable out wide left, but did the donkey work.
Brewster – 6
Samuel – 6
Injured Brewster delighted with players.
‘I twisted my ankle as I landed and I don’t know what exactly is wrong with it, but I thought I would have lasted longer on the park.
‘However, it has been a good week and the response in training from the players has been excellent.
‘I thought we were tremendous in the second half and after losing a great goal we didn’t let our heads go down.’
