Arbroath 2 - 2 Aberdeen

RANGERS lead the North-Eastern League with six points as the result of winning both their away games - at Falkirk and Kirkcaldy respectively.
Aberdeen and Hearts are equal in second place with four points each. The Dons beat Dundee on New Year's Day, and drew 2-2 at Arbroath yesterday.

The Dons should have won at Gayfield. They were the inferior side in the first half, but after the interval they not only equalised through Waldron and Armstrong, but shots by Williams, Armstrong and Waldron rebounded from the woodwork, and in practically the last minute Brownlee, the Arbroath goalkeeper brought off a miraculous save from the Aberdeen centre.
It was a keen, fast and interesting game. Arbroath played quite good football, and will be difficult to beat on their own ground. Considering that the Dons were much below strength, the result was quite a satisfactory one from their point of view.
Little wonder that some of the Aberdeen players tired in the second half. They had played three games in four days, whereas Arbroath had only two engagements in the same period. Waldron was none too fit, but played well. Pattillo was injured, and could not do much in the second half.
Johnstone had a good game and effected some fine saves. MKenna was a success at right back. Dyer, after a none too satisfactory first half, finished up the best back on the field. Russell showed signs of strain after the interval, but Dunlop and Taylor were strong and clever.
Matt Armstrong was the Dons' best forward, and before he was hurt Pattillo did a lot of foraging. Waldron did as well could be expected under the circumstances. Williams was the best winger on view, and Cocker was always willing and did not spare himself.
Brownlee undoubtedly saved Arbroath from defeat. He had some wonderful saves. Fordyce was a steady back. Murray and Gray were best at half. Green and Shirley were the homesters' most effective forwards.

Source: Press & Journal, 3rd January 1945