Dundee 0 - 0 Aberdeen

Brilliant Saves by Both 'Keepers on Waterlogged Dens

A MATTER of inches made all the difference between defeat and a point for the Dons at Dens Park yesterday.
Seven minutes from the end Follon, the Dundee right back, failed with a penalty award. His shot glanced off the upright and went behind.

Heavy rain and a waterlogged ground made the game a test of stamina and endurance for the players. Both goals were intact when the final whistle sounded.

Passes Got Stuck

Just how bad were the conditions may be judged from the fact that frequently passes got stuck in the mud and the goalkeepers, Lynch in particular, had often to rush desperately from their charge to retrieve pass backs from defenders which failed to make the distance.
The Dons had been forced to accept a defensive role in the second half and it looked all up with them when the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
The award was given against Dunlop. He allegedly obstructed Juliussen as the Dundee centre chased a clearance from Follon.
Followed by several of his teammates Dunlop raced after the official and threw up his arms in appeal, but Mr Benzie paid no attention.
With a little luck Aberdeen might have retired at the interval with the lead. They had the better of the exchanges during this period. They kept the ball moving and looked more dangerous than their rivals.

Smith Just Misses

In the first ten minutes the best tries came from Smith and Harris. Playing inside left, Smith missed narrowly with a header from a cross from the right.
Harris twice came near, but Kelly provided the first real thrill. With a terrific burst of speed up the middle the Dons' leader outpaced both Gray and Ancell, and only a brilliant save by Lynch prevented a score.
Again the Dundee 'keeper distinguished himself with another good save from Yorston, after clever work by Cowie and Kelly, and the right half himself was unlucky not to score with a header from a corner, the ball striking the crossbar.
The nearest thing at the Aberdeen goal during this half saw Dunlop come to the rescue. Johnstone raced from his goal to kick into touch. Gunn intercepted and his shot was dropping into an empty goal when Dunlop headed clear.
The Dark Blues were certainly on top in the second half, and the Dons can thank George Johnstone, who gave a masterly display in goal, for the fact that they were level at the finish.
His best saves were from Gallacher, Gunn, Juliussen and Hill (twice). The penalty apart, the Dens Park centre was responsible for the biggest miss of the game. Following a Hill corner, Juliusson found himself in possession eight yards out and drove the ball straight to Johnstone's feet.
Cooper was a steady defender for the Dons, but again Cowie was outstanding in the rear. Dunlop was most effective in the second half.

Harris Was Happy

Forward, chief honours go to Harris, who seemed to be quite happy on the heavy ground. He got through a tremendous amount of work. Next in order of merit was Kelly, but in the second half his team-mates were too busy defending to give him much support.
Aberdeen was weak on the wings. I understand George Martin, the Newcastle manager, was at Dens Park weighing up McCall. I did not hear he made any approach to the Pittodrie officials.