Dundee United 2 - 2 Aberdeen

THE Dons must now have a healthy respect for "B" Divsion football. They should make the grade agalnst Dundee United at Plttodrle on Wednesday, but the result is by no means a foregone conclusion.
The Tannadice lads on their own ground on Saturday clearly demonstratcd their capabilities as a cup-fighting team. They stretched Aberdeen to the limit. 1 It was ten minutes from the wnd when McKay slipped home the equaliser, and this after Dunsmore, their inside left, had wasted a penalty award.

I MAY be wrong but my impression is that the United lost their chance when they failed to oust the Dons at Tannadice. Over the ninety minutes thev probably had more scoring chances than Aberdeen. The loss of their two goals can be traced directly to errors of judgement by defenders. Berrie, the left back, must shoulder the blame for the first, and Wyllie, the 'keeper, failed to cut out a free kick from Harris when Baird scored the second.
The Aberdeen attack did not get into top gear at Tannadice. Their attempts to introduce the classy touch in their approach work didn't cut much ice against a Dundeedefence that rattled into their work without fear or favour.

IT is on the assumption that the Pittodrie forwards will develop a more offensive spirit that I take the Dons to get trough on Wednesday.
There wasn’t enough thrust on the extreme wings at Tannadice, and Rodger got few opportunities against Ross, the United centre-half. Baird was Aberdeen's best attacker.
The Dons' outstanding players were in defence. Martin was thoroughly reliable in goal, and Shaw was consistent at full back. The latter was opposed to a smart winger in Cruickshank, who scored the first goal and was always a potential source of danger.
Thomson was as impressive as ever. McKay was over-shadowed by the centre-half. McKay did not appear to me to be 100% fit, and he finished tht game on the wing.

QUINN on the right flank was Dundee United’s most dangerous attacker. Grant and Dunsmore, the inside forwards, played clever football, but the latter particularly, was a trifle over-impetuous. The inside left will not readily be forgiven that penalty miss.
Several the Aberdeen players received minor injuries in Saturday's game, but the news this morning was that all were expected to be fit for the replay.
The Pittodrie club have decided that there will be no booking for the game.

Source: Evening Express, 25th February 1952