Aberdeen 2 - 1 Ayr United

Ayr United were first to score, Riley beating Yuill, but in a few minutes Cheyne equalised for Aberdeen, and at half-time the sides were on level terms. Aberdeen scored again in the second half through Cheyne, their opponents being unable to regain equality.

Source: The Scotsman, 11th March 1929

At Pittodrie, Aberdeen were more superior to Ayr United than the score of 2-1 would suggest. Twelve thousand looked at an interesting enough struggle in which Aberdeen generally held the upper hand. Especially was this the case in the second half when Aberdeen exerted strong pressure for long periods. That more goals did not accrue was due largely to their inability to accept chances, but more so to the soundness of the Ayr United defence.
There was not much disparity in the opening stages when both ends were raided. In the first minute Yorston had the ball in the net for Aberdeen, but he had used a hand, and the point was disallowed. After sixteen minutes play the United took the lead. Yuill in stopping a shot by Nesbit only diverted the ball to the feet of Riley, and that player netted from close in, the ball going in off post.

Cheyne's Equaliser

Aberdeen were not long in arrears. Love swung over a centre and the ball rebounded off Yorston to Cheyne who netted with a fast drive. There was no more scoring in the first half although both goals were frequently visited.
After the interval Aberdeen kept up a steady pressure, but it took them almost half an hour to penetrate the Ayr goal. Such as Love, Cheyne, Yorston and Smith all had efforts which were lacking in proper direction, and Hepburn effected a number of smart saves.<.p>

The Winning Goal.

Reward for Aberdeen was overdue when Smith went off on a characteristic dash and swept the ball across to Cheyne who headed past Hepburn. Subsequently the Ayr defence put in some good work, but they were fortunate not to surrender more goals. Occasionally the United forwards broke away, but although the Aberdeen defence was none too steady there was not much danger to Yuill's charge.

Superior Attack.

Aberdeen owed their victory to the ability of their forwards to maintain the offensive. They have often been more impressive in shooting power but their passing, ball control, and combination were good.
Cheyne showed a welcome return to form and was the best forward on view. McDermid and Yorston also played well and Love and Smith were speedy wingers. Love, however, did not get a sufficiency of the ball.
The Aberdeen defence was not too convincing. McLaren was the best of the half-backs and Jackson was the better back, but neither division exhibited top form. Yuill got little to do in goal.
The United were stronger in defence than attack but their half-backs failed to support their forwards as they ought to have done. Hepburn brought off many clever saves and Price and Fleming were two resolute and sure-kicking backs. The strongest player in the side was McLeod, who was really the mainstay of the Ayr defence. He kept a good grip of Yorston but, like Robertson and Turnbull on the flanks, was lacking in constructive play. In a United forward line that did not move with the dash and precision of Aberdeen's, Riley and Smith were best. There were 12,000 spectators.

Source: Press & Journal, 11th March 1929