Aberdeen 1 - 3 Kilmarnock

IT'S UNUSUAL and disappointing to see the Reserves so far down the league table as a result of three successive defeats. I don't think the present crop of young players at Pittodrie is less talented than their predecessors, but, whereas before we always had one or two older players to guide them along, the young Dons this season have had to stand or fall by their own efforts. The injuries to first-team men have deprived us of the services of such players as George Murray and Ian Taylor. Half an hour of these two on Saturday would probably have made all the difference against Kilmarnock.
We had the chances to score, but just can't put the ball in the net at the moment. When Killie scored their second goal, we tended to lose the place and thoughtless, high balls down the middle replaced any constructive build-up.
If Ian Purdie had converted one of his early chances. It might have put him back on his game. As it was, George Buchan was left to do a lot of running up front. Ian Hair is a growing lad and obviously needs time. He is a good example of the type of youngster who would benefit from experienced players around him. Jim Smith wouldn't look back with much satisfaction on his stand-in appearance at centre half and skipper Tommy Wilson is try-ing to do everybody's work at the back.
I thought Andy Geoghegan had an excellent game. He had no chance with the goals that beat him. That first-team run seems to have put a polish on his play.

Source: Match Programme, 16th October 1972