Aberdeen 1 - 1 Dundee

by Norman MacDonald

FIRSTLY LET ME SAY TO THE ABERDEEN F.C, PLAYERS THAT THEY SHOWED A LOT MORE FIGHT AGAINST DUNDEE THAN THEY DID AT STIRLING THE PREVIOUS WEEK.

The point they gained on Saturday was welcome, but the Dons are still far from being a convincing team. I see no reason to alter my opinion that they are still not equipped to offer a serious challenge in Scottish football.
A single point from three fixtures, two of which have been at Pittodrie, is far from satisfactory. Now is the time to remedy the defects in the team. If the club waits too long it may too late.
The Pittodrie officials seem to be more concerned with the slow handclap and the letters in the Press, judging by the official programme at Saturday’s game.
Under the heading. "Straight Speaking from the Chairman" the spectators who indulge in the slow handclap are taken to task. The statement finishes:— "If it is the Directors the critics are displeased with there are other and more effective methods of dealing with them. In my opinion, slow hand-clapping and writing pointless letters to the Press only affects the players and I am sure no real supporter of the Dons would wish this to happen."
Does anyone imagine that the non-publication of letters and the abo'ition of the slow hand-clap will solve Aberdeen F.C.'s problems?
THF EDITOR OF THE "EVENING EXPRESS” REFRAINED FROM PUBLISHING ANY LETTERS ABOUT THE CLUB DURING THE PAST WEEK AND THERE WAS NO SUGGESTION OF THE SLOW HANDCLAP AGAINST DUNDEE ON SATURDAY. BUT THIS DID NOT TRANSFORM THE DONS INTO A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM.

Not The Players

I am not an advocate of the slow handclap, but frankly I think when the spectators use it they are showing their disapproval of the official attitude rather thann the players.
It seems as if Aberdeen F.C. officials are over-stressing the sslow handclap and the public criticism in the form of letters, and under-estimating the necessity of quickly increasing their playing strength.
I can assure the chairman that it is the wish of this newspaper, as it is the public's wish, to see Aberdeen field a successful team. If we can help in achieving this object we will, but the chairman must not expect that either the players or the officials are immune from criticism.
I estmate that there were about 20,000 at the Aberdeen-Dundee game on Saturday and I imagine that reveals a drop in the average attendance for a "Northern Derby" particularly at this early stage of theseason.

The Game Itself

The Aberdeen defence showed plenty of spirit, particularly Mitchell, Young and Caldwell. Glen was an improvement at wing half back. He was strong in the tackle and tried hard to urge on the attack in the second half.
The forward line was not impressive and the most enterprising member of the line was Hather on the left wing.

Source: Evening Express, 21st September 1953