And if his players create the same number of chances as they did in that 3-1 success, he suspects he will leave Pittodrie smiling.

“We’ve worked hard in recent weeks to close the back door and maybe that’s seen us sacrifice something in attack for a couple of games. But, on Saturday, I don’t think you could expect an away team to make any more chances than we did,” said Gordon today.

“We’ve hit the woodwork three times, had one chalked off for offside, scored three goals and seen their keeper make some very good saves, so we’ve got to be happy.

“I thought we controlled most of the game, and the only worry was that, after losing a goal in the first five minutes, it would be one of those days when the ball would not go in for us.”

Gordon was also pleased that once again the goals were shared among his players, with United crediting the first goal to Barry Robson, while Peter Canero and Collin Samuel natted the other two.

“This season we’ve had a few players chipping in. As well as the strikers, Robson has been a danger coming in from wide, Canero’s got a couple, and Grant Brebner’s scored, too, so that gives teams something to think about when they are playing us.”

While their early season form came in for some criticism, United head to the Granite City on the same points tally as their much-talked about rivals from the north-east and, if results go their way, will be in the top six by tomorrow night.

The manager remains convinced that is where his side will be by the time the league splits in April. “Despite what some people have been saying, we have never been that far away and now we are closer to where we want to be. The boys have worked hard and now it is about maintaining that form.”

After tomorrow’s game, United face the SPL’s top two when Celtic visit on Sunday and they travel to Hearts on Saturday week. Tickets for the Celtic game (2 pm) from the club shop opposite Tannadice.

“We defended very well on Saturday and, although Derek Soutar had a few saves to make, there was nothing you would not have expected him to stop, so we were worth our point,” he said today. “What has disappointed me in this game and others recently is that we did not do enough in an attacking sense. We have to be looking to do more.

“Everyone takes part responsibility for that, the strikers because they maybe need to do a wee bit more to make things happen for themselve,s and the other players because the quality of service to the front has not been as good as it can be.”

In the build-up to Wednesday’s Dens clash with Clyde, Alan and assistant Billy Kirkwood are likely to pay particular attention to set-pieces, an area that has been disappointing.

“When you look at the height in our team, we really should be getting more from them than we are. The delivery from free-kicks and corners has not been great, but maybe it is also a case of the players in the box needing to be more aggressive and being prepared to bully their way to getting to the ball.”

As well as highlighting areas where he feels his men can do better, the manager took time out today to praise the contribution of centre-half Bobby Mann.

“I thought Bobby was outstanding on Saturday and he has performed consistently well since I arrived. Without being disrespectful to the First Division, that does not surprise me because a player of his stature and experience should stand out at this level. That’s taking nothing away from him and his level of performance has been very good.”

Wednesday’s clash with Clyde will come too soon for striker Steven Craig or keeper Kelvin Jack, who has suffered a reaction in training and will also miss Saturday’s trip to Airdrie United. Craig is a doubt for that one. “That’s three or four weeks he has been out, and it is going to take at least a full week’s training before he is ready.”

They’ll all be monitored closely before Owen decides whether or not they’ll play tomorrow.

“Hamilton will come to win the game and that will help make it a good match,” said Owen.