Celtic 1 - 3 Aberdeen

THE DONS CAN BE REGARDED AS ACROSS THE SAFETY LINE NOW. THE 3-1 VICTORY AT CELTIC PARK LAST NIQHT LEAVES THEM IN WHAT CAN BE ACCEPTED AS AN UNASSAILABLE POSITION.

They were by no means a brilliant company against Celtic, and it was only when Yorston popped up with a surprise third goal four minutes from the end that the tension eased.
It was eleven happy Dons who returned to Gleneagles after the game.
The threat of relegation has been hanging over them too long. It has adversely affected their football. Their last three appearances in Glasgow have not been a good advertisement for their chances against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final. Football enthusiasts in the second city view them with suspicion.
But now that they have won freedom I hope we can look forward to a brighter and better Aberdeen team at Hampden Park on Saturday April 25.
Particularly would I like to see an improvement on the extreme wings. Neither Rodger nor Hather have shown nearly enough devil in recent matches.
They must develop more enterprise before the final.

Hamilton Flashes

For the first forty minutes at Parkhegd last night Aberdeen played as if the man ready to serve the “B” division summons was right on their heels.
Thirty-six minutes had been clocked before Bonnar, in the Celtic goal, was called on to make his first direct save—a rather easy one from Buckley after a slick flick by Yorston.
There was a touch of the spectacular about Celtic’s goal four minutes after the start of the recond half. McPhail dived forward to meet cross from Peacock and the ball went into the net off his head at express speed.
But the goal which shook the Celtic supporters came from Yorston within four minutes of the final whistle. The inside right picked up a loose ball twenty-five yards out and had a go. It did not appear to be a particularly dangerous effort, but the ball suddenly dipped and Bonnar was made to look ridiculously helpless as it landed in the corner of the net.
Defensive Stalwarts

Aberdeen’s two stalwarts in defence were Martin and Young. The ’keeper gave a first-class display, and his handling inspired confidence.
Young was a dour and untiring centre-half, but Harris and Allister, on his flanks, were disappointing.
They must solve the mystery of their loss of form before the Rangers game. Hamilton was the leading light in the van, and was the engineer of the majority of the attacking movements.
Buckley bustled and scurried about to the anxiety of the Celtic defenders, but there was a disturbing lack of punch and personality on the wings.

Source: Evening Express, 16th April 1953