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This result was a welcome boost for the Dons, who were to meet Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final 7 days later. John Hewitt netted a hat-trick and if Celtic had lost 2-0 to St. Mirren, Aberdeen would have been champions. However Celtic won 3-0.
18,000 watched as the Dons went searching for the goals which might make them league champions and the opener almost arrived in 30 seconds. Peter Weir found John Hewitt in the clear only 6 yards from goal but the ball was scrambled away.
The pressure was building up as two corners were followed by inspired goalkeeping when Stewart leapt to parry a fierce Weir shot for another corner. A snapshot by Hewitt went narrowly past and then the limping Jardine was replaced by Tommy McLean. The Dons drew first blood in 23 minutes when Jackson headed into his own net following a dazzling piece of artistry by the Aberdeen attack.
Five minutes later Hewitt made it 2-0 with a magnificent 25 yard drive which Stewart probably did not see until it passed him. Aberdeen knew they had to score at least 5 goals and concede none if they were to snatch the title from Celtic.
After Weir and Doug Rougvie went close, Hewitt again delighted the home fans by heading home a third goal from a Stuart Kennedy cross. Only another great save by Stewart, who was proving to be a hero for Rangers in the one-way traffic, robbed Mark McGhee of a goal.
Two minutes from the interval the lively Hewitt completed his hat-trick after Stewart had blocked a McGhee shot. There was some trouble at the King Street end as some Rangers fans tried to invade the pitch but the incident was quickly quelled.
Aberdeen resumed on the offensive determined to boost their morale for the Cup Final and Stewart continued to be the busiest man on the field as the eager Dons buzzed around his penalty box. Despite their obvious frustration at their inability to get into the game, Rangers fought gamely and the match was being played in a good spirit.
Stewart was beaten again in 67 minutes by the inevitable Hewitt but the teenager's header slipped at foot wide. The pace of the game slackened, especially when news filtered through from Parkhead that Celtic were in front.
A tiring Weir was replaced by John McMaster and the relentless Red tide kept pouring into the Rangers goalĀ¬mouth. Hewitt had a clever overhead kick and McGhee missed a couple of reasonable chances. Andy Watson came on for Gordon Strachan and the game drew to a finish with the Aberdeen defence still to break sweat.