Heart of Midlothian 3 - 1 Aberdeen

By NORMAN MACDONALD

THE DONS ARE STILL IN SEARCH OF THE MATCH-WINNING FORM WHICH ENABLED THEM TO K.O. THE CUP - HOLDERS AT MOTHERWELL TWELVE DAYS AGO.
They did not shape like potential Scottish Cup winners against Hearts, nor did the Tynecastle team for that matter, although they won 3-1.
Mitchell was missing from the defence on Saturday, and Hather from the attack. The right back had to call off at the last minute because of a bout of flu. He will be fit for this week’s cup-tie, and Hather, who was absent because of an injury to his ribs, is also expected to be in the Easter Road line-up.
Hugh Hay, who had his name taken by the referee and scored the best goal of the game, is another likely starter in the fourth round tie against Hibs.

Drive Needed

Corroboration that the Easter Road defence is not the same high standard as their forward line was provided by their 2-0 defeat at Dens Park.
If the Dons mean to follow Dundee's example and prove the Hibs defence vulnerable, Buckley and Co. will have to produce a more daring brand of football than they did at Tynecastle on Saturday.
The greatest need was more driving power on the wings. Pearson is still a great ball player, but has lost some of his pace and punch. Rodger can be more effective than he was against Hearts.
Harris was another who played well below form He and Rodger both made a valuable contribution to the Motherwell
success. It is that form we want to see at Easter Road this week.
Smith, who deputised at right back for Mitchell, played strongly, but his kicking was better than his tackling. Shaw will have to be less casual against Gordon Smith than he was against Blackwood, the Hearts winger.
Hearts proved themselves a better football side than Aberdeen on Saturday. They were fast and clever in the outfield, but they were often reckless and uncertain inside the target area.

Points Needed

This win dispels all remaining danger of the Tynecastle team becoming invoived in the battle to escape "B" Division football. The Dons cannot yet claim immunity - they still need two points.
Aberdeen enthusiasts may see the games which will decide the destination of the Scottish League flag. Both Hibs and Rangers have still to come to Pittodrie.
Aberdeen supporters would get a much bigger "kick" out of these two fixtures if the Dons can collect two vital points from Falkirk at Brockville or from Queen of the South at Pittodrie before the Light Blues come north on Saturday. March 28.

Source: Evening Express, 9th March 1953