East Fife 0 - 1 Aberdeen

Aberdeen were fortunate to beat a weakened East Fife. The Fifers had to make five changes from the regular lot. First half honours went to the Fifers.

Aberdeen got the only goal four minutes after the resumption Gourlay scoring from a corner kick by Taylor.
There was a long spell of featureless play, then a hectic finish by the Fifers to retrieve the position. But the Dons' defence held out, to win the league leadership.
East Fife were well served by T. Weir, ex-schoolboy right-half, but the left side the field was sadlv weakened by the changes. Stewart and Sneddon did extra well as make-weights, and Harley played soundly.
Aberdeen were well served by Dryden, Cooper, and Johnstone.

Source: Sunday Post, 20th September 1942

THE Dons are now established as North-Eastern League leaders with a clear lead of two points over their nearest rivals, East Fife, whom they defeated by the only goal of the match at Methil, scored by Gourlay.

The Fifers were minus the services a number of their regulars, but the substitutes proved their worth.
To beat East Fife on their own ground is a meritorious performance. Chief credit for Saturday's victory must to the Dons defence, which has never been so sound in countering a team which was out to win all costs.
The Pittodrie attack had its good and bad spells, but it has to be taken into account that it was opposed to a defence which did not stand on ceremony.
Pattillo was off form. Best inside forward afield was Bain. He was thrustful and showed ability in beating an opponent and going through with the ball.
The wing men, Dryden and F. Taylor, were consistent, but Gourlay did not come up to expectations.

Strong Centre Line

The Dons' real strength lay at half-back. Dunlop's tackling was strong, and his constructive work was brilliant at times. Taylor on Saturday's form can be reckoned among the best left-halves in Scotland to-day. Gavin had a difficult task, but he came through the ordeal with great credit.
Cooper and Dyer were sound at back, and Johnstone was very safe in goal.
The Fife defence was sound, with Sneddon, Weir, Johnstone and Harley best. Forward, May at centre was outstanding.

Source: Press & Journal, 21st September 1942