ABERDEEN and Dundee, both with an eye to the future, fielded reserve sides in the Dewar Shield Semi-final tie at Pittodrie yesterday.
If that was a disappointment to the 12,000 crowd, they received little consolation from the standard of play served up.
A high wind spoiled the game, and the majority of the players did not seem to have the ability to keep the ball on the ground. Glimpses of combined play were few and far between, and they were generally initiated by Hamilton or Court, the two brainiest forwards.
Hamilton's play was the most encouraging feature from an Aberdeen point of view. He looked much fitter than when he came back little over a week ago, and was still going strong at the finish. He was pulled down after one good run, and it was a shock when no penalty award was made.
Smith Scores
Robb, at left hall, showed well. He is strong in the tackle, and his biggest fault is his tendency to try and beat one man too many. Ashe and Massie were steady enough at back, but Thomson was not decisive enough at centre half.
Dundee were strongest in defence, where Irvine and Bruce took everything first time. Craig, former Hall, Russell's player, had a hard job looking after Hamilton, but he stuck in all the time. Court was the best of a poor forward line, in which Fraser, recent recruit from 25th Old Boys, was not well supported.
Smith got the only goal a minute after half-time. Millar crossed, and it looked to be Gibson's ball. The centre didn't connect, and Smith ran in to beat Bennett.
Dundee had a claim for a goal in the first half when Curran misjudged a corner from Andrews. In the scramble Thomson kicked clear.
Source: Press & Journal, 19th April 1949