Aberdeen 1 - 1 Ayr United

HAVE Aberdeen lost their chance of winning the Scottish Sexond XI Cup?

The fact that they could only hold Ayr United to a draw in the fist of the home-and-home finals at Pittodrie suggests that they have, but those who saw Saturday's game still retain hopes.
The Dons did everything but win. Bad luck, bad finishing, and the brilliancy of Dykes, the Ayr centre-half, were the three main causes in the failure to take the field at Ayr on Saturday with a lead.
The Aberdeen forwards wasted many scoring chances, particularly in the second half. Pattillo, one of the hardest workers afield, was the biggest sinner this respect.
The Aberdeen side showed the better touches. They can still win at Somerset Park, but the forwards will have to develop more punch at close quarters.

DEFENCE GOOD

The Dons' defence was good on Saturday, although a misunderstanding between Waddell and Johnstone led to Ayr scoring the opening goal. Taylor was the best of the home halves, and in attack the most dangerous player was Williams. Christie played well in the second half, when he crossed many dangerous balls.
Ferguson and Pattillo were disappointing and Bain was only moderate.

DYKES A STAR

Outstanding personality of the visiting eleven was Dykes. The Hearts pivot was at the top of his form. He and Hall, the 'keeper, were the backbone of the defence. McCall was the man who mattered most in attack. 'He always threatened danger.
Both goals were scored in the first half. Ayr United opened the scoring after fifteen minutes' play. A lob up the middle caught both Waddell and Johnstone unprepared, and Thow nipped in to find the net.
The Dons drew level in half an hour, thanks to grand individual effort by Williams. The little winger caught on to a clearance about midfield, outstripped the Ayr defence and cut in to net a clever goal.

Source: Press & Journal, 27th May 1940