THE Dons kept on the winning path with a clever and well-deserved victory by 5-2 against Hearts at Pittodrie. It was without doubt their most convincing display of the season.
They have seven points out of possible nine to their credit, and but for the loss of a point in each of their New Year engagements they would have been League leaders.
They have a stiff programme in front of them, but form such as they have displayed in the last two matches should be good enough to carry them through to further success.
The most gratifying feature about Saturday's game was the promising debut of Martin Buchan, the seventeen-year-old local juvenile, at inside right. He was cool and confident, controlled the ball well, and proved that with greater experience of senior football he will be a decided asset to the team.
Chris Anderson, another of Mr Halliday's recruits, also emerged from the game with distinct credit. He showed improvement in his constructive work, tackled well, and was very effective with his head.
The team as a whole did very well. There was not a weakling in it. The defence was steady, the middle division strong and forceful, and the attack clever and thrustful. Johnstone was confident in goal. Ancell, who was carried off injured ten minutes from the finish, was the best back afield. Thomson was a sound partner. Allan, the Powderhall winger, was never in the game.
Tower of Strength
Dunlop was a tower of strength at centre-half, and Taylor who returned to the team after several weeks' absence was very effective at left-half.
The attack gave every satisfaction. Stan Williams, who had two goals, was the best of the four wingers. He was lively throughout, and always dangerous. Dryden was little behind him in point of merit. Pattillo led the line well, and Armstrong schemed cleverly at inside left.
Hearts were a well beaten team. Walters saved them from a heavier defeat. McSpadyen, Johnstone, Anderson and Moore also rendered them good service.
Source: Press & Journal, 17th January 1944