Raith Rovers 2 - 2 Aberdeen

With four of their Cup-tie team absent, Aberdeen accomplished quite a good performance at Kirkcaldy yesterday, when they divided four goals with Raith Rovers. With the relegation bogey in front of them, the Rovers were in a desperate position, but the game bore out that lack of individual skill and combined effort accounts for the lowly position of the Fife club. The result was quite a fair reflex of the play, but when it is considered that Aberdeen were without Yuill, Livingstone, Love, and McDermid, of their Cup-tie team, through injury and other causes (none them being "dropped "), and that Rovers were at full strength, it will be appreciated that the result was a "moral " victory for Aberdeen.
Yorston, the diminutive centre-forward, was again a big factor in the game, and in a lesser degree Smith repeated the history of the Cup-tie at Falkirk.

Aberdeen Take the Lead.

The exchanges had been even until Smith, in one of many raids by Aberdeen, slipped the ball along the ground for Yorston to tip the ball into the net with his right foot after appearing to have missed it with his left. Raid for raid followed, and before the interval Turner sent over a centre which might have been cleared by the Aberdeen defence.
The ball travelled to Beath, who returned it, and Galloway netted from close range. Both goalkeepers had been action without having to distinguish themselves before the interval, when the teams were level at one all.

Yorston Again.

In the second half, play never touched a high level owing to the spoiling tactics adopted by both defences. Just one side and then the other attacked, but there were few thrills, although both goalkeepers were often tested.
First half history was repeated when Smith broke away and centred for Yorston to catch the ball as it touched the ground and pilot it into the net.
Aberdeen looked as if they would keep the lead, but there was an appreciable falling off which might have been caused by a feeling of false security. They were gradually forced back on defence, and, following a free kick by Hopewell, Galloway sent into an untenanted goal after Blackwell had gone out to clear.
In the closing stages there was really nothing between the teams. Each attacked in turn, and each goal had its narrow escapes.
In the closing stages Aberdeen were on top, but by that time the home defence had found confidence which it previously lacked, and clever covering up on the part of both teams averted further scoring.

Outstanding Players.

On the Aberdeen side Jackson, McHale, and McLeod in defence, and Yorston, Smith and Hill were best, while the outstanding players for the Rovers were Hopewell, Good, McBain, Galloway and Turner.
An attendance of about 1500 even for a midweek game was below expectations considering that both teams are still interested in the Scottish Cup competition.

Source: Press & Journal, 20th February 1929