Hibernian 1 - 1 Aberdeen

ABERDEEN'S chances of entering the final of the North-Eastern League Cup for the second year in succession were greatly enhanced by drawing with Hibs in the first of the home-and-home semi-final games at Edinburgh. Interest in the tie was reflected in a 10,000 crowd. On play the Dons should have been beaten, but try as they liked the Hibs' attack could not break through the Aberdeen defence.

The match was a stiff test for Aberdeen's rearguard which has been described the best in the League. Cooper and his men came through the ordeal with flying colours.
In comparison with the defence, the Dons' attack was disjointed. The forwards never settled, and this was responsible for much extra graft being thrown on to the halfbacks and backs.
Hibs were a good if not brilliant combination. There was better understanding in their ranks, but they will find the Dons a different proposition at Pittodrie.
Johnstone did some good work in the Aberdeen goal. Cooper, after a shaky start, simply blotted out Kelly, the Hibs' left winger, while Dyer put up a brave fight first against Caskie and later against Gordon Smith. In the closing stages Dyer's play suffered through the effects of a face injury received in the first half, when he prevented a certain goal.
Outstanding in the Aberdeen defence was Gavin, who with head and foot defied the efforts of the home inside trio to break through. He was well supported by Dunlop and Taylor. Mutch and "Anderson" were best in attack.
Best forward on the field was Gordon Smith of Hibs. He is without doubt an internationalist of the future. McGillivray also did good work.

Source: Press & Journal, 26th April 1943