Aberdeen 3 - 0 Heart of Midlothian

If the Dons had played half as well against Albion Rovers they would still be in the cup. That was the general opinion at the finish of the match against Hearts at Pittodrie on Saturday.

A goal three minutes after the start gave the Dons confidence. From that point onwards they took the initiative and never looked like losing.
The team as a whole played with spirit and bouancy, the attack working smoothly and skilfully.

TAYLOR A SUCCESS

Taylor, in the first half in particular, proved a success at outside left. He was fast and dangerous and his early goal laid the foundation for victory. Ferguson and Bain, the inside forwards, were clever on the ball and spread play smartly. Williams was not so prominent.
The home half line never lost their grip of the Hearts' attack. Chief honours must go to Jock Thomason. He was the general of the side, and his work in connection with the third goal was one of the highlights of the game.
George Thomson and Graham were a sound pair of backs. The right back played one of his best games of the season. Rennie in goal was quick and confident.

SHARP THRUSTS

The Hearts' defence was upset by the sharp Aberdeen thrusts and never settled down. Baxter played a hard game at centre-half and Brown showed clever touches. Robson, who started at inside right, lay too far back, and it was not surprising that the visitors altered their team at half-time.<,/br> Phillips was Hearts' most dangerous forward, but he suffered from lack of support.
Aberdeen's opening' goal in three minutes was well taken. A long clearance by Graham dropped into the goalmouth. Anderson attempted to nod the ball back to the 'keeper, but Taylor came flying in and found the net.
The second goal came in thirty-three minutes. Baxter handled inside the penalty area and George Thomson found the nest from the spot.

SECON HALF COUNTER

The only goal in the second half came after twelve minutes' play. Jock Thomson carried the ball well upfield before parting to Pattillo. The left-half raced up the wing to take the return pass, and crossed splendidly for Williams to beat Waugh with a header.

Source: Press & Journal, 18th March 1940