Aberdeen 2 - 0 Ayr United

Touch of Luck About Goals That Beat Ayr United

ABERDEEN, Rangers, Hearts and Airdrieonians will contest the semi-final of the League Cup competition.
The Dons beat Ayr United by two clear goals at Dens Park, but they were by no means an impressive combination.
Dundee held Rangers until well into the second half, and then the Light Blues got a penalty, which put them on the victory path. Hearts had no difficulty in ousting East Fife, and Airdrie created the surprise of the round by defeating Clyde by the only goal.

Form such as they showed at Dens Park, will not take the Dons anv farther in the competition. They deserved to beat Ayr, it is true, but they had nothing to crow about over their victory, and there was an element of luck about both goals.
Had Ayr taken the lead in the opening minutes, when a shot by McConnell struck the post, the Dons path to the semi-final would have been much more difficult.
The Dons' first counter was got by Williams from a rebound from the bar, and Hamilton got the second well through the second period.

Dunlop Stars

Williams failed with two great chances, and Wallbanks ran through the Ayr fence near the close and lofted the ball over with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The Dons rear three came through with credit. Johnstone had the save of the match near the finish from Morrison. Cooper was steady throughout, and had an excellent partner in McKenna. Dunlop stood out as the best player on the field, but both Taylor and Pattillo have played better. Forward, McCall excelled. On the day's play he was ahead of Hamilton, who was too easily brushed aside. Williams was disappointing in the centre. Wallbanks came next to McCall in point of merit. Strauss was not always impressive.
In an Avr team which fought gallantly McNeil was sound in defence, and only Morrison and Gillan were worthy of note in attack.

Source: Press & Journal, 8th April 1946