Peterhead 0 - 1 Aberdeen

Aberdeen Disappoint as a Division "A" Side

THE healthy respect which Aberdeen have had for Highland League football in the past must have been increased after their struggle with Peterhead on Saturday in the second game in the qualifying round of the Dewar Shield.

As a Division "A" side Aberdeen disappointed badly. On the run of play and on chances the Highland League champions were decidedly unlucky to lose by the only goal.
As was to be expected, the Dons were superior in the finer moves of the game - although these were seen only occasionally - and their attack had a repose which Peterhead's lacked.
They had players who could hold the ball, notably Baird, Hamilton and Pearson, and their thrusts were always threatening.
But they never got the chance to exploit these advantages. Although Peterhead did not produce the football of which they are capable, they were more often on the attack than the visitors, and had it not been for rash and feeble finishing they would have won.
Aberdeen's defence had a difficult afternoon, and on the day's play the defenders were only of ordinary Highland League standard. At times they were glad to indulge in rather desperate clearing.
Although he put in some strenuous work, Roy was often beaten by the nippy Hay, and McKenna's performance was moderate.
Glen was prominent as an attacking half back, and it was a reflection on the finishing power of the forwards that he had his side's two best tries for goal in the first half.
While every Peterhead man worked hard all through, Simpson, Buchan and Cook were the brightest stars in defence, and Hay and Bray were most consistent in attack.

Source: Press & Journal, 9th May 1949