Aberdeen 2 - 0 Falkirk

Dons Secure Two-goal Lead in Dewar Cup Semi-final
From NORMAN MACDONALD

STAN WILLIAMS, pocket-size football Hercules. An apt description for the Dons' diminutive centre forward, who gave a scintillating display against Falkirk in the Dewar Shield semi-final at Pittodrie last night.

Aberdeen won 2-0, but the score does not truly represent their superiority. The Bairns' defence was under fire for most of the game. Luck was with them at times, but they deserve credit for a very resolute display.
The Dons have still to play the return game at Brockville, and the winners of this semi-final meet Dundee in the last stage. The Dark Blues qualified for the final by beating St Johnstone 4-2 at Dens Park last night. They had already beaten them 2-1 at Perth.
Williams was playing his last game of the season for the Dons last night. He leaves Aberdeen on Monday and will fly from London to his home in South Africa on Wednesday. This is his first visit to the Union since 1937. He will return to this country July.
Stan seemed determined to leave a happy impression with the Aberdeen supporters. He went all out from the start, with the result that he led the Falkirk defence a merry dance.

Spectacular Save,/p> One minute he was on the left touchline and the next he would pop up in the middle. I admired the way Henderson, the Brockville centre half stuck to his job, but I certainly did not envy him the task of marking the elusive South African.
Williams opened the scoring for the Dons in fifteen minutes with a well-taken goal, but it was not to be compared in individual brilliance with the second time he had the ball in the net in thirty-five minutes. This point was disallowed for offside.
The first goal came following a corner conceded by Jerry Dawson after he had made a spectacular full-length save from Hamilton. When Baird turned McCall's flag-kick goalwards, Dawson pushed the ball out and Williams nipped in to send into the net.
The goal that was chalked off for offside came following sustained and determined Aberdeen pressure. When Taylor booted the ball upfield, a terrific race ensued between Jerry Dawson and Williams. The Dons' leader won by a short head and nonchalantly lobbed the ball over the 'keeper into the empty goal.
One of the linesmen, however, signalled for offside, and the referee, after having a word with him, gave a bye-kick.

Hurricane Attack,/p> The Dons started the second half in hurricane fashion, and within thirty seconds had the ball in the net for the second goal. Williams tricked two Falkirk defenders before sending the ball through to Baird, who beat the 'keeper with a grand left-foot drive.
As they had done in the first half, Aberdeen continued to force the pace, but Dawson was in international form. He received excellent support from McPhee and Henderson (R.).
Bolt, who had a free transfer from Third Lanark, was signed by Mr Tully Craig, the Falkirk manager, and played at left half.
Little was seen of the Falkirk attack except for occasional breakaways.
Jimmy Findlay, of Buckie Thistle, who kept goal for Aberdeen, gave a good display. Cowie was the better back, and McKenzie at centre half proved a strong and resolute tackler.
Harris was the only forward who did not strike a happy note. McCall and Williams set up a delightful combination on the left wing, but they were inclined to rather overdo the close passing at times.

Source: Press & Journal, 8th May 1947