Dunfermline Athletic 2 - 3 Aberdeen

ABERDEEN'S chances of winning the North-Eastern League Supplementary Cup are excellent as the result of their 3-2 victory at Dunfermline, but the Pittodrie players readily acknowledge that they got a terrific gruelling.

The Dons were perhaps a trifle lucky to win the first of the home-and-home games in the final. This Athletic team are robust and hard-hitting, but they did not prevent the Dons from playing football, which, at times, was of a very high standard, despite most trying conditions.
The second match at Pittodrie on Saturday promises to be thriller.
The Dons' defence was often in difficulties, but Johnstone in goal inspired confidence. His cutting out of dangerous crosses was masterly. On the day's play Dyer was slightly ahead of Cooper. Stalwart in defence was Gavin. Ever in the thick of the fight - and it was a real scrap at times - the centre-half played a heroic part in breaking up full-blooded attacks. He had able henchmen in Dunlop and Taylor, who always contrived to play constructive football.
The Aberdeen attack got bumped about, but they proved that they can take it. Ancell and Dryden were clever wingers. Gourlay, although handicapped by the heavy ground, took his three goals smartly. Pattillo harassed the home defence no end, and Ferguson had a good game.
Dunfermline's best were Wallace, Hogg, Walker, Dugan and MCGillivray.

Source: Press & Journal, 21st December 1942