Aberdeen 2 - 1 Third Lanark

By NORMAN MACDONALD

THE BEST THING ABOUT THE DONS-THIRD LANARK CUP REPLAY YESTERDAY AT IBROX PARK WAS THE RESULT A 2-1 WIN FOR ABERDEEN.

I have often seen the Dons play a great deal better and suffer defeat. The explanation for their poor showing can be summed up in one word—nerves.
There was too much at stake in this game, especially from the Pittodrie players’ point of view. The prize for the successful team was a game against Rangers and a big "gate" in the final, and a place in the Coronation tournament.
Even more important from the players' point of view was the fact that practically the entire football population of the North had taken a victory over lowly Thirds for granted.

Never Be Forgiven

I have a suspicion that the Aberdeen players took the field with the impression that if they fell to the Cathkin team they would never be forgiven by their supporters.
It was reflected in their play, They suffered from the big occasion jitters. Rhythm and middle. cohesion were almost completely lacking. Seldom have I seen so many mis-directed passes in The Dons can a different proposition on Saturday, April 25. Rangers will probably start favourites in the final. It is a fact, however that the Aberdeen team can be relied upon to put up a good show against the big guns.
It is when they are involved second-raters that they fail to come up to scratch.

Cup Character

Glasgow folk probably left Ibrox yesterday under the impression that it would be easy for Rangers. In spite of the Dons’ feeble display yesterday I don’t subscribe that view.
If the Dons want a cup "character" they have only to apply to Fir Park or Easter Road.  On that form they are capable of beating the Light Blues. 
The standard of football was surprisingly low in the semi-final replay. Mistakes were all too frequent. Even the three goals had a somewhat hollow sound.
Yet the players of both sides put lots of effort into the game, but for the most part it was without cohesion and punch.

Destructive Pivot

Aberdeen's most effective players yesterday were Alec Young in defence and Paddy Buckley in attack. Young was a grand destructive pivot - full of vim, vigour and vitality.
Buckley's roving tendencies had Third Lanark worried. They couldn't curb the dashing Dons' leader, who was as liable to pop  up on the wing as he was in the middle.
Martin, in the Aberdeen goal, did what little he was called on to do efficiently, and Mitchell played sturdily at right back. If Shaw’s coolness and experience were missed, Billy Smith, his  deputy, must be given full marks  for a stout-hearted display.

Below Standard

The wing half-backs were below standard. Allister seemed to be struggling from the start, but his play may well have been affected the fact that it was his mistake which led to the first goal.
The attack did not strike a bright game. There was a lack of  drive on the extreme wings. Neither Rodger , nor Hather threatened any real danger.
Hamilton's ankle may have been 0.K., but the inside left did not appear to be 100% fit. Even so, he always looked as if he would pull something out of the bag. He presented Yorston with a perfect pass  for the winning goal.

Yorston Match-winner

Yorston was the man who carried the Dons into the final. He claimed both goals, but the inside right has often been seen to better advantage.
Aberdeen can forget about the cup until April 25. Their job now is to get the points necessary to make their place in "A” Division secure and a very vital job it is.

Source: Evening Express, 9th April 1953