Aberdeen 5 - 5 Motherwell

By NORMAN MACDONALD

THE question of whether the Dons or Motherwell will figure in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup is still debatable, and the debate will be continued at Fir Park at 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

it was a crazy n ninety minutes at Pittodrie. Golas were conceded by both teams with reckless progigality. Ten goals were scored, three of them from the penalty spot. This points unerringly to the fact that there were weaknesses in both the Motherwell and Aberdeen defences.
The fact that ten goals were netted also suggests that the attacks were bright, lively and full of scoring ideas. In point of fact neither set of forwards covered themselves with glory.
It was two of their defenders who saved the cupholders from extinction at Pittodrie by doing the forwards’ job in the last six minutes. The Fir Park club can thank left back Shaw and left half Cox for netting life-saving goals.

Fighting Spirit

If Motherwell’s general play provided little reason for admiration, their refusal to accept defeat entitles them to full marks for their fighting spirit.
It is hard to forgive Aberdeen their failure to make the grade. At different stages of the game they were leading 3-1, 4-2 (at half-time) and 5-3 (six minutes from the end).
Two of Aberdeen’s goals were from the penalty spot, while the three others were well taken. One of Motherwell’s counters came from penalty award and two, if not three, of the others might have been prevented.

Unfortunate

Fred Martin, the Dons 'keeper, had an unfortunate match. Particularly unfortunate was the loss of the fourth goal, when a shot from left back Shaw beat him from thirty yards range. But Martin wasn t the only Don who blotted his copybook. Ian Rodger must recall with regret that golden chance he wasted in the closing stages with the score standing 5-3.

Tightening Up Needed

There will have to be a general tightening up in the Aberdeen defence if success is to be achieved in the replay.
Motherwell’s main strength was at wing half. In Forrest they had a powerful and effecfive right half, and Cox, on the other flank, made an invaluable contribution by keeping Hamilton on a tight rein.
Mitchell played vigorously at right back for the Dons, but none played harder than Harris. Allister left no doubt about his ability to kick a dead ball by the efficient manner in which he took the two penalty awards.

Buckley Active

Buckley was the most active and dangerous forward, and popped home a couple of magnificently taken goals. There were occasional flashes from Yorston, but Hather, Hamilton and Rodger can all play a lot better than they did on Saturday.
The Dons have themselves to blame for the fact that they must travel to Lanarkshire in mid-week. They can still reach the fourth round, but they must not tempt providence a second time. The leaks in defence must be stopped.

Source: Evening Express, 23rd February 1953