A late second half goal by Argentinian World Cup striker Claudio Caniggia sealed a 2-0 victory for Dundee over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Player-manager Ivano Bonetti had given the visitors a first half lead with a tremendous 20-yard lob.

Gavin Rae's dismissal after 55 minutes meant Dundee were up against it for much of the second half.

But in injury time just after Aberdeen's Philip McGuire was also sent off, Caniggia broke clear to slip the ball past Aberdeen goalkeeper Ryan Esson to cap a great display for the Dens Park men.

It was an exciting and frantic beginning to the match with both sides going forward looking for an early breakthrough.

In the 12th minute Steven Tweed came close with a header for the visitors from a Bonetti corner.

And the Dens Park men should have taken the lead after Esson saved a 20-yard drive from Bonetti.

The ball bounced up kindly for Dundee striker Juan Sara but his header from eight-yards was weak and allowed Esson to gather comfortably.

The home side had their own opportunities and after 26 minutes a Robbie Winters' shot from 10-yards brought a great save from Dundee keeper Rab Douglas.

But there was no surprise on the half-hour mark when Dundee took the lead.

Sara knocked the ball back to Bonetti at the edge of the Aberdeen box and the veteran midfielder skilfully lobbed Esson for a tremendous opener.

Aberdeen reacted well and Douglas had to pull off another great save from Winters and Cato Guntveit missed a glorious chance to equalise, blasting over from six-yards.

When the second half kicked off it was the home side who forced the pace winning a couple of early corners.

But the experienced Dens' defence held firm and weathered the early storm.

But Dundee's infamous indiscipline cost them dear once more just 10 minutes into the second half.

Gavin Rae reacted to a foul by McGuire by lashing out at the young Dons defender and referee David Somers instantly flashed the red card.

Despite the extra man Aberdeen found it hard to break down the organised Dundee team and the home fans began to howl in frustration.

Aberdeen continued to press for the equaliser but were restricted to long shots from outside the box which keeper Douglas dealt with comfortably.

With five minutes remaining Douglas again saved from Winters. This time pushing a 12-yard effort over the bar.

In injury time McGuire was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, this time for a foul on Caniggia.

And a minute later Caniggia ran up the park in a breakaway to slot home the second goal.