Aberdeen 4 - 3 Third Lanark

Too Much Talk And Not Enough Action
By NORMAN MACDONALD

THERE’S an old proverb which says; "Actions speak louder than words." I would commend it to some members of the Dons’ defence after Saturday’s near-fiasco against Third Lanark.
To me there appeared to be too many words and too little action in the closing stages of the game.
Mistakes are understandable and in some circumstances excusable, but to debate the pros and cons during the progress of a match is, to say the least of it, foolish.
This appeared to be going on during the closing stages at Pittodrie on Saturday when Aberdeen conceded three goals. Following the loss of the second Martin and Harris seemed to have a difference of opinion.
Third Lanark lost four goals, but I failed to see any dissension in their ranks during the match. Probably they sensibly decided that after the game was the time for recriminations.

Childish

It is somewhat childish as well as unprofitable to attempt to apportion the blame while the game is in progress.
The lack of team-work in defence made what should have been an easy victory look a close affair. The Dons scored their first win, and deservedly so, against Third Lanark. The only matter for regret is that three somewhat soft goals were conceded.
The forwards could justly claim that they did their job on Saturday. In fact, the front line played with more zest than they have done since the season opened.
They built up a four-goal lead through Hamilton and Hather. All four goals were well taken. As it transpired it was enough to win the game, but only just.

Bright Attack

Aberdeen's attack against Thirds was the most successful so far this season, with Hamilton. Hay and Hather the bright particular stars.
The youngest member of the trio put in a tremendous amount of work. Hay is most definitely a player of promise, and if he can develop that extra acceleration he will become one of the best inside forwards in Scotland.
Hamilton's experience and ball sense were invaluable, and Halher on the left wing added that vital dash of enterprise and punch.
Mitchell and Smith at back played with plenty of courage and could not be closely identified with the loss of the goals.
Judgment on Allister, the Dons’ newcomer from Chelsea, must be suspended. He showed one or two neat touches and made good use of the ball in the throw-ins, but it was his first game and he may require a week or two to settle in.

Source: Evening Express, 13th october 1952