East Stirlingshire 0 - 0 Aberdeen

TWO trialists in attack was too big a burden for the Young Dons to carry successfully. They failed to knit into the attack which was very haphazard all through.

Newman at centre-forward (Walker, Armadale Thistle) improved on an indifferent first-half display with some fine solo efforts in the late stages, but his parting drives were all misdirected.
Lamont, outside-right who signed for Aberdeen a fortnight ago from the junior Kilbirnie Ladeside, had an uninspiring debut, but he was opposed a very robust and tenacious defender in Hunt, the former Falkirk back.
Kiddie also had raiher a lean time against Freeburn and most of the shooting was left to McIntyre, but his efforts lacked pith.
Even Roy took a hand in distribution, but those forwards would just not respond. Grand support was afforded the Dons' midline by full-backs McKeown and Pacione, while Curran in goal did all that was required of him with ability.
The case for the 'Shire was very similar, as their forwards were just as weak as the Dons and they also had an impregnable defensive barrier.

Source: Press & Journal, 16th January 1949