Motherwell 1 - 6 Aberdeen

By NORMAN MACDONALD

The DONS FOR THE CUP? NOTHING WOULD SURPRISE ME AFTER THEIR STREAMLINED FOOTBALL AGAINST MOTHERWELL IN THE REPLAY AT FIR PARK YESTERDAY.

It was a new Aberdeen. They played joyous and sparkling soccer to win 6-1. The Dons swept the holders out of the competition with almost contemptuous ease.
It was a glorious triumph, achieved b team-work and determination. The score might just easily have been doubled. There was no comparison between the teams. The Dons were bright, alert and confident, while Motherwell had no answer the sprightly North brigade.
It was an amazing transformation. The Aberdeen of yesterday was no more like the team last Saturday than chalk is like cheese. I don't know what secret formula the Dons had unearthed during the interim but the cup-holders will vouch for its potency.

Hibs Onlookers

Hibs' players and officials were weighing-up form at Fir Park with a view to the fourthround tie at Easter Road on Saturday, March 14, and they must have been as startled by this new Aberdeen as were the Motherwell players and the onlookers.
Hibs will not prove as easy victims as the ’Well, but the Dons may turn out a better proposition than many of us thought. After yesterday’s grand victory they certainly won’t lack support at Easter Road.
The best news from Fir Park was the return to form of Harry Yorston. Since the start of the season the inside-right has been struggling to regain form. He was right in the groove against Motherwell.
He was the bright star in an Aberdeen attack which had the Motherwell defence demoralised, and capped a joyous ninety minutes with a hat-trick.

Hay’s Part

Hay, who travelled from his Army duties in the South of England to replace Hamilton in the Dons’ attack, was the only forward who failed to score, but the young inside left played his part in the success.
Army training may have slowed him up a trifle, but his ball control and distribution were first rate. Hay left for the south again after the tie to play for the Army against Essex today.
Buckley led the attack with skill and daring and the plav of the right wing triangle, Rodger, Yorston and Harris in the first half hour created panic in the Motherwell rear division. Hather, too, was a much improved player.
Just how superior to the cup holders were Aberdeen was clearly demonstrated in the closing fifteen minutes, when they lost the services of Rodger. In spite of the handicap they continued to treat the ’Well to a football lesson.
Rodger sustained a cut above the eye and had to have a stitch inserted in the wound. The injury should not keep the winger out of the game against Raith Rovers on Saturday.

Defence Solid

If the Dons’ forwards are to be congratulated, the defence, too, must be given their share of praise. They presented a much more solid front than in the Pittodrie game.
Martin was a far happier keeper than he was last Saturday, and Mitchell and Shaw were sound enough. Young, at centre-half, had the measure of Kelly and played well.
But the men in the rear who deserve the biggest pat on the back are the wing half-backs, Harris and Allister. This pair were devastating in the tackle and played the ’Well inside forwards right out of the game. Add this to the fact that they seldom lost touch with their own forward's and you have two excellent wing halfs.
It was the Dons’ day. A season which looked as if it would peter out quietly and without thrill may vet turn out to hold a good dash of glamour.

Source: Evening Express, 26th Februry, 1953