In the semi-final of the Robertson Cup at Pittodrie last night, before 5000 spectators, Aberdeen defeated Hearts by four goals to one. Aberdeen played the real cup-tie football, while the Hearts scientific methods could make no impression on a lusty-kicking defence. In attack, Aberdeen were also superior, the forwards shooting at every opportunity. Hearts, on the other hand, although more cohesive, were weak in front of Blackwell's charge.
Hearts were first to be dangerous, and a shot by Mitchell struck the crossbar. Aberdeen came away, and the Hearts' goal almost fell to a shot by Yorston. Following this, Whyte did well to palm away a shot by Love, with several Aberdeen forwards in close attendance. The homesters, backed by a serviceable half-line, continued to have the better of the exchanges, and another effort by Love was only inches high. Hearts broke away, but the home goal was not in danger, Mitchell sending wide. Aberdeen opened the scoring, Love converting a cross by Lawson. It was a soft goal, Whyte allowing the ball to slip through his hands. Stimulated by this success, Aberdeen pressed with redoubled vigour, and Whyte did well to save at full length from MacFarlane. Subsequently, the Hearts' attack got moving, and Blackwell had to save from Henderson. Aberdeen were soon back the other end, where Yorston increased their lead.
The Hearts' defence was often in difficulties, the worrying tactics of Yorston and MacFarlane having them unsettled. The visitors had a short spell of attacking, but first-time clearances by the home backs nullified their efforts. Aberdeen again took the offensive, and Whyte was kept busy until the interval.
On the resumption, and with the aid of a strong breeze, Hearts immediately attacked, Blackwell saving from Henderson and Black. Hearts had more of the play this half, and Henderson almost reduced the leeway with a first-time effort. At the other end, Whyte saved at full length from Lawson. End-to-end play followed for a time, neither team holding any great advantage. At Whyte's end a slip by Reid let MacFarlane through, but the 'keeper proved equal to the occasion. Aberdeen looked like increasing their lead when Lawson got away to centre accurately, but Macfarlane headed over. Aberdeen scored two goals in quick succession before the finish - Yorston with a header and MacFarlane with a good shot from close range.
Source: Press & Journal, 21st April 1927