Raith Rovers 2 - 2 Aberdeen

This was our first game for three weeks, and it showed how a team can get a bit rusty after that short lay-off, we seemed to lose out on our confidence, sharpness and team-work. Only a few of our lads played to form, but on saying that, Raith Rovers youngsters (Player-coach Alec Kininmonth excluded) surprised us by the way they played, they never give up the fight, and have one or two useful lads on their staff.
Ally McLean did all that was asked of him and Dave Robb at right back for the day showed that he can fill the full back position any time, his partner Doug Rougvie had a very unhappy time and never got to grips with the opposing winger. Ian Gibson never got into the game with the result our forwards suffered from lack of service from the usual skilful "Gibby". John McMaster and Jim Shirra worked very hard and created chances which were wasted by careless passing and shooting. Neil Cooper and Bobby Glennie played well in the middle of our defence, and Neil had the satisfaction of scoring his first goal of the season, and it was worth waiting for, picking up a pass on the half-way line from Jim Shirra, Neil beat one opponent before sending a left foot shot from 30 yds into the top corner of the net.
Slackness in our defence allowed Raith to equalise and at half time the score remained at one each. Playing up hill after the interval George Campbell who had been having a quiet game, scored a good goal after being sent through by Duncan Davidson. Raith again drew level after a high ball in the penalty area caught our defence unawares. We pressed hard towards the end, but bad finishing plus good defensive work by the Rovers defenders kept the game level at the end. On behalf of the "Young Dons" I would like to wish the supporters who come to the Reserve Games "A Happy New Year" and hope we can entertain you to a lot more exciting game's in 1977.

Source: Match Programme, 3rd January 1977