Aberdeen 3 - 3 Heart of Midlothian

HAVE Aberdeen missed their chance of winning the Mitchell Cup for the third and last time? They have certainly set themselves a very stiff hurdle to surmount the second game in the final at Tynecastle. They were expected to win, but instead they could only draw 3-3.
On Saturday's showing they will not carry off the trophy. That is definite.

They were not worthy of a draw, and on play deserved to be beaten. Hearts are the most improved combination playing in North-Eastern League football this season. Their display, compared with previous visits to Pittodrie, was a revelation.

As a team Aberdeen looked slow compared with Hearts. The Hearts possessed a fast-moving attack, with a young centre forward always up and ready to take a chance. They had inside forwards who were not only clever on the ball, but were able to fall back and assist the half-backs.
It was in the inside forward berths where Aberdeen's greatest weakness lay. There was a lack of speed and drive in these positions, while the defence was far from sound.

On Wings of Speed

There was confidence the Hearts' rear. Watters in goal did his work cleanly and crisply. His backs were sound, while the visiting halves never waited for the ball. In McFarlane and Walker, Hearts have two of the speediest wingers in the game. McCrae and Conn were excellent supports, and Aikman a centre of whom more will be heard.
G. Johnstone did not always inspire confidence in the Aberdeen goal. D. Johnston was weak at right back. Taylor was the best half-back, and only Pattlllo and Williams impressed forward.

Source: Press & Journal, 25th June 1945