Aberdeen 1 - 2 Raith Rovers

THE Dons' display against Raith was not a good advertisement for their Scottish tie at Parkhead. The rhythm was missing and that was not altogether due to the fact that the team included three deputies.

I thought Kenny Thomson put up a good show at centre-half and along with McKenna was Aberdeen?s soundest defender. Rodger was switched with Delaney in the closing stages of the match, but as leader of the attack Rodger did as well could be expected considering the poor support he received.
It was the Dons' veterans, Pearson, Baird and Delaney, who seemed to have lost some of their usual ingenuity and sparkle.

YORSTON showed plenty of fight, but is still that bit impetuous at close range. Baird's play was probably upset by the fact that he missed a penalty kick before Penman opened the scoring for Raith Rovers.
The Kirkcaldy defenders did not waste time when it came to clearing their lines. Scotland's left back. Willie McNaught, gave a polished display, and must have impressed Messrs Tom Baird and Bob Kirkwood, the S.F.A. selectors, who were present at Pittodrie on Saturday.
Leigh, at left half for Raith, must also have caught their eye' but none of the Aberdeen players on this form put forward a strong claim for honours.
It was a pity that Martin's cutting out of high balls was not as immaculate as usual in view of the fact that the selectors were present, and they had, of course, no chance of weighing up the potentialities of Young and Hamilton.

McKENNA played strongly against Brander and was the better back. Shaw never succeeded in getting a firm grip of the tricky Maule. Anderson's enforced rest does not appear to have helped him to recapture his best form.
Some comfort can be derived from the fact that the Dons can play a lot better than they did against Raith. They will have to if they mean to terminate Celtic's Cup hopes. According to reports the Parkhead team did not exactly cover itself with glory at Cathkin.
If, as I expect, Aberdeen are at full strength when they travel to Glasgow, I still fancy them to hold or beat Celtic.

Source: Evening Express, 5th March 1951