Dundee 3 - 2 Aberdeen

IN this " derby " on icy Dens Park honours were even for the first 30 minutes. All told, there were 27 corner-kicks — 24 for Dundee and three for Aberdeen.
This should indicate an overwhelming superiority the Dark Blues, yet it was not until Steel and Christie brought off a picture-book wing move in the 33rd minute that they began to forge ahead.
In this move Steel carried on to the corner flag and slung across a lovely ball into the goalmouth. It was just out of Watson's reach, and Pattillo was there to head home.
Dundee's play merited this lead, but Aberdeen were not downhearted. Pearson, playing attractively, was the Dons' chief attacker. He started all-in attack, and Dundee had to defend grimly.
The ball ran loose to Harris about 25 yards out. He let drive. Brown seemed late going for the ball, and it entered the net at the high left-hand corner. Time, 39 minutes. It was a snap goal, but one which might have put Aberdeen on top.
Just on the interval, however, Steel and Christie again obliged with one of their dandy runs. This time the cross went to Hill, whose shot hit the underside of the bar on its way to the net.
A goal at this period is always a big boost, and Dundee came back in rampant form. The Aberdeen side was rearranged, with Thomson crippling at outside-left, Harris at centre-half, Yorston at centre, and Hamilton and Pearson in the inside positions.
Flavell now came strongly into the game and led many fine moves.
Gallacher and Boyd took a firm grip, and kept plying their forwards with the ball.
Christie got through and missed by inches. Gallacher had a go, but Watson saved brilliantly.
Flavell beat three men on the run, and his shot went sailing over the bar. Hill dashed along the line and gave to Pattillo, who hit the side net.
From one of Christie's corner-kicks Hill glided the ball goalwards, but Watson was there to punch the ball for another coiner.

Two penalties

And so it went on for 30 minutes, with not a goal to show for all the clever footwork.
Then Boyd placed a foul-kick to Hill, who crossed to Flavell for the centre to take a good goal.
That was 15 minutes from the end.
Aberdeen made several breakaways, and during one of these Merchant charged Boyd just into the penalty box. Referee Jackson pointed to the spot. Brown had no chance of stopping Emery's thunderbolt.
Back on the attack, Hill was going through when Emery upended him just on the line. Another penalty! But this time Christie sent the spot-kick wide past the post.
Dundee should have scored many more goals and put the issue beyond doubt. Aberdeen, although reeling in the second half, gave Dundee defence several anxious moments.
A confident Watson brought off many masterly saves. Pearson was the only other Don to stand out. The team just did not link.
Follon and Cowan were back in their best form. The three half-backs were masters all the time, and, although they should have scored more goals, the home forwards put on a fine display on a treacherous surface.
A repeat of this form and the Dark Blues will make it hot for Rangers at Ibrox to-day.

Source: Dundee Courier, 2nd January 1952