Aberdeen 4 - 0 Queen of the South

By NORMAN MACDONALD

Many dyed-in-the-wool dons supporters WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEK’S GAME AGAINST RANGERS AT PITTODRIE IN THE LIGHT OF A CUP FINAL REHEARSAL. IT WILL BE MORE THAN THAT.

Hopes that a victory over Queen of the South would free Aberdeen from relegation worries have not altogether been realised. Another point or two would be very welcome at Pittodrie.
The Dons’ two remaining home games are against Rangers and Hibs, both of whom have ambitions to win the League championship.
Four points cover the last eight clubs and all of them have four or more fixtures to go. It won’t surprise me if goal average is necessary finally to decide the issue.

 "Tail" Wagged

The fact that the “A” Division “tail” wagged on Saturday has left the problem as complicated as ever. It is worth recalling that Morton, with twenty-four points, sank into “B” Division last season.
The Dons have a knack of pulling out that little bit extra when the crack teams come north and the fact that the points are of such value to the clubs this season should add zip to the exchanges in the match against the Light Blues.
George Hamilton, the Dons’ match-winner against Hibs, has joined Tony Harris on the Aberdeen injured list. Ten minutes from the end of Saturday's game against Queen of the South. Hamilton damaged his right ankle in a touchline tackle with Rothera and had to be assisted to the pavilion.
His ankle was painful yesterday and he is having massage treatment. He is a doubtful starter against Rangers this week, but it is almost certain that both he and Harris will be fit for the Scottish Cup semi-final against Third Lanark.
Martin’s Injury

Fred Martin, the Dons' goalkeeper, was almost missing from the line-up against Queen of the South. It was noticeable that he avoided kicking a dead ball in Saturday’s match.
On Thursday evening Martin slipped on a step at his home and injured his right foot. To the relief of both the 'keeper and the Aberdeen officials an X-ray examination on Friday revealed that no bones were broken.
Martin played against the Dumfries team with the injured foot strapped up, but it did not prevent him playing a sound game.
The Dons would have been in an awkward spot had Martin's injury been of a serious nature. According to rule, clubs involved in the relegation and championship issues cannot sign a player and play him In vital matches after March 16.

Below Form

Although Aberdeen were below their best form on Saturday they won easily in the end. They had what Queen of the South lacked - forwards who could accept scoring chances. Apart from Patterson, their centre-forward, the Dumfries team were decidedly weak in attack, even allowing for the fact that Brown, their inside left, was injured shortly before the interval.
Had they possessed a go-getter in their front rank they need not have been a goal down at the interval.
The Dons left no doubt about their superiority in the second half. They had the most energetic forward afield in Buckley. The centre did not score, but he had a high nuisance value. His habit of dashing out to the wings had a worrying effect on the Queen of the South defence.

Swashbuckling

Yorston was lively and showed flashes of his old swashbuckling form, while Rodger must get full marks for his two goals. Hather was the least effective the forwards.
Allister was the best of the half-backs, although Ewen, as deputy for Harris, played hard, and always tried to use the bail to advantage.
There were times when the Aberdeen rear division did not inspire confidence, but the defenders can point to the fact that that in two games against the ace Hibs front line they conceded only one goal, and they kept a clean sheet on Saturday.

Source: Evening Express, 23rd March 1953