Aberdeen 2 - 0 Raith Rovers

By NORMAN MACDONALD

IF the Dons could develop more drive at inside-forward they would rapidly become live contenders for Scottish League honours.
It Is important that Harry Yorston and Hugh Hay rediscover the missing striking power between now and the end of next month when start will be made with the Scottish Cup competition.
Both have clearly demonstrated in the past that they possess shooting ability and it is  difficult to find an explanation for the sudden loss of form.
In the case of Hay, it may be due to the fact that he has not they the same opportunity or facilities for training in the army. Certainly this clever inside forward does not appear to have the same power of acceleration as he had before going on National Service.
Leggat, who claimed the first half counter on Saturday, was quick and clever against the wily McNaught and along with Buckley shared the honours in attack.

Few Chances

Wishart, who was making his debut on the left as deputy to the injured Hather, was given few chances to shine. It was difficult to judge his potentialities in this game.
Surprisingly few really telling shots were delivered during the Aberdeen-Raith Rovers game at Pittodrie. In the case of the Dons this is something of an indictment against the forwards in view of the grand support they received from the wing half backs.
The Dons looked a better balanced and more dangerous team than Raith Rovers, but the only convincing proof they had was Buckley's goal.
Raith had their share of the play and scoring chances, but they were even less effective in this department of the game than Aberdeen. The Kirkcaldy club are becoming closely identified with the struggle to escape relegation. They will have to do something drastic about the finishing of their forwards if they are to pull clear.

Kingpins

Much of Aberdeen's success in the past two months has been due to the sterling play of Allister and Glen. Again on Saturday they were the kingpins, and in the middle Young had matters well under control.
The backs. too, played soundly. Mitchell was a vastly improved player compared with his performance in the Hearts match. His mastery over Penman was emphasised in the second half, when several times he moved up with the attack.
McNaught, Raith's international left back, who was injured in a collision with Yorston in the first half, had to have a stitch inserted above his right eye and two below.
There is no need for concern over the fact that Yorston and Leggat went to hospital after Saturday's match. The purpose of the visit was simply for a check-up, and there is nothing seriously wrong with either. Both should be fit for duty this week.

Stirling Approach

It is understood that Stirling Albion approached the Aberdeen club for an inside forward. George Kelly’s name was mentioned, but I doubt if there is any likelihood of the former Banks o’ Dee forward being permitted to leave Pittodrie.
I understand Mr David Halliday. the Dons’ manager, has received a letter from Tony Harris, the reserve wing halfback. The player would like his position with the club clarified.
He has been absent from the first team since Saturday, September 12, and at the moment there would seem little chance of his being recalled.
Mr Halliday would make comment on the letter until the matter has been considered by the board. In the circumstances, however, I won’t be surprised if Harris fancies a change of quarters.

Source: Evening Express, 7th December 1953