Aberdeen 5 - 1 Dundee United

ABERDEEN had no difficulty in beating Dundee United at Pittodrie. The Dons were not in the least flattered by their 5-1 victory. Still, with the chances they had, they ought to have scored more. The United were full of fight, but that was all. There was a complete lack of understanding in their ranks.

The Dons, on the other hand, were much better balanced. The defence was strong and reilable. The forwards were not a brilliant combination by any means, but they were lively and thrustful. Pattillo, although he missed opportunities, had all five goals to his credit. The fifth counter went off his leg from a shot by Dryden. Court had the United's only goal.
Johnstone inspired confidence in the Dons' goal. There was no better back afield than Dyer. Cooper was a good partner. The middle trio, Collier, Dunlop and Taylor, mastered the United attack from the start. Dunlop dominated the centre of the field, and Collier and Taylor were grand constructive half-backs.
So far as the forwards are concerned, Moir is better on the left wing, although he played fairly well on the right. There was a big improvement in Cox's outfield play. He controlled the ball better, but his shooting was weak. Green was a toiler, but his finishing was erratic. Pattillo was the beet forward, and distributed the play well. Dryden also did good work at outside left.
United's best were Brownlee, McDermott, Maxwell, Court and McGillivray.

Source: Press & Journal, 8th November 1943