Aberdeen 2 - 1 Morton

Morton Never Looked Like Cup Winners

THE shadow of relegation hangs over Morton. It was reflected in their play at Pittodrie. They were desperate to avoid defeat.

The tackling was inclined be over-robust at times. A referee less tolerant than T. Shirley, Troon, might have taken stern measures in one or two instances.
This stop - them - at - any - cost tactics adopted by the Greenock team resulted in the game degenerating into a test of brawn and muscle rather than football skill in the second half.
On this form Morton have little chance of winning the Scottish Cup. In fact, I fancy they will have their hands full escaping the relegation axe.
Of course, it must not be forgotten that they were without Orr and Divers, their clever inside forwards, both of whom are on tne injured list.
The Dons always looked the better team in spite of the fact that they generously gave Morton a goal of a start.
Aberdeen have problems to solve before next August, but they earned the points on Saturday. They were a more mobile side than Morton.
There was a twenty-minutes' spell in the first half when they were going really well. During this period they were a bit unlucky not to score more than once.

All Were Triers

Some of the Dons played well and some not so well, but in one respect all were equal - they were out to get the vital points and every man was trying 100 per cent.
There was an improvement in the play of Willie Waddell at right half. He spared no effort to urge on the attack, yet did his share in defence.
Most of the danger came from the Aberdeen left wing. Pearson can justly claim the title of the Scottish Matthews. When he burst into the game he had the Morton defensive right flank in a tangle.
He was pipped for a place in the Scottish League team. Surely he must come well into the reckoning for the match against England on April 10.
Williams was as lively as a cricket at centre, until he was crippled in the first half by an injury he received in a tackle by Mitchell. His left side was badly bruised.

Shock for Dons

It came as a shock when Morton opened the scoring in eight minutes through Murphy.
It took the Dons eleven minutes to draw level. When Hume hooked the ball up the middle Kelly brought it down smartly and crashed it past Cowan.
Williams' counter in thirty-six minutes was equally well taken. He fastened on to pass from Hume, veered to the left and swept the ball into the corner of the net.

Source: Press & Journal, 22nd March 1948