Gallant Defence

The Light Blues played the better football in the first half, and the bulk of the work fell on the Pittodrie defence, who stood up manfully to their work. One goal each at the interval, it looked as if the Dons would have a tough time in the second half. But the Aberdeen forwards developed into a cohesive force, and it was the Ibrox defence that had to roll up their sleeves. It was then that the lack of "bite" in the Pittodrie attack became more obvious. It would have been a "perfect" semi-final if the Dons had succeeded in beating Rangers home and away. The Dons scored first, Hamilton beating Jenkins with a header from a free kick by Lyon. With twelve minutes played the Light Blues got the equaliser. Smith was brought down just outside the penalty area. Bolt's free kick struck the solid line of Aberdeen players and Williamson was on the ball like a flash to beat Johnstone.
Apart from this goal - and it might have been prevented had Johnstone not slipped at the crucial moment - the Aberdeen defence gets full marks. The backs were sound. Dyer is improving with every game. The Dons' greatest advantage, however, lay with their half-backs. Lyon was a tower of strength and both Dunlop and Taylor played with rare determination. If the forwards find their shooting boots in the final the Dons will be the first club to win the North-Eastern league Cup. McCall was undoubtedly the best forward on Saturday. He was the "brains" of the attack.

Source: The Press & Journal 8th December 1941