Celtic 0 - 1 Aberdeen

by NORMAN MACDONALD

IF THE DONS CAN WIN THEIR THREE PITTODRIE FIXTURES THEY HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF QUALIFYING FOR THE MATCHPLAY STAGES OF THE LEAGUE CUP. THE PARKHEAD VICTORY SAW THEM OFF TO A FLYING START.

Aberdeen were not by any means an all-star team. In fact, their soccer seldom achieved the elegance of Celtic’s first half outfield play. But the Dons did what the Coronation Cup winners couldn’t do for all their smart approach work - they put the ball in the net.
What the Pittodrie players did possess was lots of fighting spirit, particularly in defence. Celtic contributed to their own downfall.
They could have been three goals up at half time. They started off at a crackerjack pace. They had the scoring chances and squandered them. When their storm tactics failed they tried to walk the ball into the net and were no more successful.
It was Celtic's Coronation Cup-winning team, except that Tully replaced Collins in attack.
Before Saturday's match this was being acclaimed as Celtic's year, but it seems to me they will have to indulge in some shooting practice if they mean achieve their ambition.

Buckley Injury

The Dons were a workmanlike side. They were shaken in the early stages by the dash and determination of the Celts, but they gradually forced their way into the game.
Aberdeen were certainly not the popular fancy before the match, but the victory will have given the players added confidence. It is up to them to carry on the good work against Airdrie at Pittodrie on Wednesday.
It is certainly a pleasant contrast compared with last season, when they played fourteen games without a win.
No doubt the players who brought back the points from Celtic Park will be given the job of tackling Airdrie. The only doubt concerns Paddy Buckley, who damaged an ankle at Parkhead. Trainer Davie Shaw, however, is hopeful that he will be fit.

No Surrender

Most credit for the Parkhead success must be awarded the defence. Although frequently in trouble they had, happily, erased the word surrender from their vocabulary.
The two best Dons were in the rearguard - Fred Martin and Jimmy Mitchell. The big keeper was right back to his best form - a totally different player to the one we saw in the final game last season against Newcastle United.
There was no better back on view than Mitchell. He was a match for Fernie. The right back kicked confidently in this game and was quick in recovery.
Billy Smith refused to be intimidated by Tully's trickery and played a solid and sober ninety minutes football.
Alec Young did a good job of work at centre-half and Harris was the more successful of two hard-tacking wing half-backs.

Zip Missing

The story of the forwards is not encouraging. There were occasional flashes from Buckley and Co., but there was not enough zip the wings.
Yorston was the most persistent and consistent attacker. Newcomer Jimmy Brown deserves a vote of thanks for his goal, a well taken affair.
The former Falkirk winger had a poor first half. He seemed over-anxious and unwlling to hold the ball. He may do better once he gains confidence.
It too early yet to say the Dons are going to go places this season, but a win at Celtic Park was good start.

Source: Evening Express, 10th August 1953