THE Aberdeen v Raith Rovers match at Pittodrie on Saturday was worth seeing if only for the brilliant come-back of tall inside forward Archie Baird, who in 1946 was chosen to play against England in the Victory International at Hampden but had to withdraw because of injury. Next year Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup, and then the big fellow had a succession of injuries that would have broken the heart of most players. In two-and-a-half years he has had a broken leg and three cartilage operations. A few months ago the knowing ones were saying "Baird is finished." But they didn't know Archie. Patience, perseverance and love of the game made him determined to prove them wrong. Against Raith and on a heavy ground, the Baird artistry was outstanding and the top reason for a 3-0 Aberdeen win.
Perfect passes
He brought the ball under control, swerved past one or two opponents when necessary, sent his passes along with crisp perfection, got almost every ball in the air and never shirked a tackle. Maule, Raith Rovers' diminutive inside right, alone of the other forwards approached the Baird standard of ball control, but whereas Maule invariably turned back or across the field, Baird was always going forward. If Archie maintains this form and escapes further injury he must again come into the international reckoning.
Woodstock mistake
I was disappointed in Raith centre-half Jimmy Woodstock, who limped almost from the start, and went off for a good five minutes before half-time. I learned afterwards that he wasn't fit before the game but, being a local lad whose Junior team had postponed their own game to see him, he was keen to play. It was a great mistake. The Aberdeen centre-half Willie Waddell, was the victim of an unfortunate head collision ten minutes after half-time, and went off for good, leaving both sides to finish with ten men.
Forgot his wedding
Willie had concussion and couldn't remember a thing after the match - not even that he was married early last week. He was at Pittodrie yesterday morning and told me he was feeling better after a night's rest, but still didn't remember anything about getting his head knock. Aberdeen are not yet the fluent, well-balanced side that won the Scottish Cup, but Saturday's signs are that they are on the way back and there is a grand team spirit.
A North star
I was surprised at the number of players and referees who were at Pittodrie yesterday, Referees, too...Peter Craigmyle and W. L. Smith. Trainer Bob McDiarmid and his assistant, Barney Alexander, were busy attending to baths and injuries. Matt Armstrong, former Aberdeen favourite and one of the best centre forwards ever, was also there. Matt still plays for Elgin City, and he was praising young Mitchell, the Inverness Caledonian centre forward, who had scored three goals and helped to beat Elgin 4-0 on Saturday. "You should sign him on now," he said to Aberdeen manager David Halliday. "This boy not only scores goals, but makes them, and will be a champion. If you wait you may be too late." Mitchell, I understand, has just come out of the Navy, and Newcastle were watching him.
Source: Press & Journal, 28th November 1949