Aberdeen 3 - 1 Partick Thistle

I WAS PROUD of the young Dons last Saturday after their 3-1 victory over Reserve League leaders Partick Thistle, who had dropped only one point in their previous nine matches. Biggest factor in our victory was the fact that the lads fought hard for every ball. The third goal was a perfect example of the rewards to be gained by adopting this attitude - Joe Smith and then George Buchan determinedly disputing possession until the ball broke to Billy Williamson, who swept it home.
Andy Geoghegan gave another immaculate display in goal and it was Williamson's best performance for some time. Jim Smith was steady at left back and Ian Hair continues to improve with every game at centre half. Chic McLelland, stepping in as cover man in Tommy Wilson's absence, soon developed a good understanding with Hair. The ball didn't run kindly at times for Joe Smith and Duncan Davidson, but they never gave up trying - and one can't ask for more than that. I took off Davidson in the second half because, with the score 1-1, I thought our play had become a shade static and substitute Bobby Street's pace might ginger things up for the Thistle defence. The move paid off with two goals in the last 10 minutes.
John Craig again looked the best player on the field and his football brain paved the way for George Buchan to net the vital second goal. Buchan came more on to his game in the second half. Arthur Graham, who opened the scoring, hadn't played a full game for a month and gave a lively display. His experience was invaluable.

Source: Match Programme11th November 1972