Aberdeen 1 - 2 Airdrie

TROUBLE lies ahead of Aberdeen F.C. unless they can field a more effective forward line.
Frequent changes have been made since the start of the season, but the correct answer still eludes the management.
Buckley, Rodger, Dunbar, Yorston and Hather were given a second chance to justify themselves against Airdrie and they failed take it.
The front line was a thing of shreds and patches, neither co-ordinated nor inspired.
How to transform the Aberdeen attack into a combined striking force presents a difficult problem. The solution must found quickly if the Dons are to register that elusive first victory.
It must be admitted that against Airdrie, Buckley damaged his ankle in the first fifteen minutes and made no useful contribution from then onwards.
The right winger, in the circumstances, can be exonerated, but there was little excuse for the other members of the line.

No Schemer

The attack did not possess a schemer. There was plenty of dash and energy, but almost a complete lack of organisation.
Airdrie did not impress as likely championship contenders, but they were much more competent in attack than the Dons. They had creative ideas.
The Broomfield team had a grand little forward in Welsh, at inside left, and he had an active partner in McCulloch. McMillan. although less in the limelight than Welsh, was always a potential source of danger.
Aberdeen did not possess a personality in their front rank and there are practically certain to be changes for this week's game at Dens Park.
Young Jack Dunbar is not yet equipped with the experience and poise to hold a regular place in "A" Division football. The big Kilbirnie lad is an enthusiastic and willing worker, but he does not yet possess the speed and ball control necessary to bind the line together.
This doesn't make Dunbar any more responsible for the latest defeat than the others. In fact, they had less excuse, for they are more experienced.
Buckley’s ankle was badly swollen yesterday and he must be regarded as a doubtful starter against Dundee.

A Bright Spot

The one bright spot in the Aberdeen horizon is the fact that the reserves go on their way rejoicing. While the Dons senior team has yet to win a game, the second team has an unblemished record in the "C" Division competition.
Frank Watson, the Aberdeen reserve goalkeeper, was taken to hospital seriously ill during the week-end. He is likely to be out of the game for some considerable time.
This means the Pittodrie club will have to sign another 'keeper. Reggie Morrison, the Lewis, United goalkeeper, is on Aberdeen’s provisionally signed list, and the club may decide to call him up.

Source: Evening Express, 15th September 1952