On Reflection
The Dons redeemed themselves some-what in the eyes of their faithful supporters by their convincing win against the strong-going St. Mirren at Pittodrie a fortnight ago, and gave a satisfying performance at Cathkin Park last week. One pleasing feature of the game from the Aberdeen point of view was the fighting spirit shown by all 11 players, especially after the loss of a goal. Towards the end of the game the pressure put up by the Dons was almost continuous, and they were rather unlucky not to come away with both points - and that was the feeling expressed by the Third Lanark officials after the match. The Dons played throughout as a team, and the covering-up reminded us of the Aberdeen team two seasons ago. The referee might have given one penalty to the home side when Mason was grassed in a tackle, but he should most decidedly have awarded two penalties to the Dons, once when Stan Williams was going through. The other occasion was when a "free" was awarded to Aberdeen - on the edge of the penalty box. There had been little more than a murmur heard from the spectators when the referee blew his whistle (Tony Harris had been fouled), but when it was seen what the official's decision was, there were loud laughs from all over the ground, for the incident had taken place not six inches from the penalty line but six yards inside! If the Dons keep up this fighting spirit (allied to good football) they won't lose many games.
Source: Match Programme, 25th September 1948
Sterling Newcomers
You'll have gathered it wasn't one of Third's brighter days. How right you are. They had Harrower at centre-half because Barclay had flu. The deputy wasn't happy. As a debutante Christie was adequate - but the essential mid-line urge just wasn't there. That contributed to the forward failings. Their breeziest performers were Petrie, Balunas, Kelly, and Mooney, which is sufficient indication of the trend of things. Aberdeen, not yet out of the wood, are at least seeing daylight. Youngster Thomson was grand. So were McLaughlin, Waddell, and McKenna. Pearson's strongest supporter in attack was bustling Tony Harris. Both goals came in the last 18 minutes. First to Third's McCulloch in a goalmouth scrimmage, equaliser to Stan Williams after a Harris header had rebounded from the bar. Postscript - The referee gave Aberdeen a free on the edge of the box. If there was an infringement, I'm sure it was well inside. And that was just before Third Lanark scored.
Source: Sunday Post: 19th September 1948
Source: Press & Journal, 20th September 1948