Rangers 3 - 2 Aberdeen

NOT only Rangers' officials but everyone in the Press box at Ibrox agreed that Aberdeen should not have been beaten by the odd goal in five. A penalty to Rangers the first half appeared to be purely a case of the ball playing the man. In the same period an apparently perfectly legitimate goal for Aberdeen was chalked off. Pattillo, who netted from ten yards range, was adjudged offside. When the Dons centre shot, not only Jenkins, the goalkeeper, but Frew, the right back, were standing on the goal-line. In neither instance did the referee consult his linesmen.

The Dons were a very determined lot from the start. They were superior to Rangers in all phases of the game. In fact, had the Pittodrie team led at the interval by three clear goals it would have been their just reward. Rangers were chiefly on the defensive during this period, while Aberdeen played fast, intelligent and telling football. It was not until late in the second half that Rangers developed anything like a good game.
The Dons, notwithstanding this reverse are still joint leaders with East Fife.
There was not a weakling in the Dons ranks. Johnstone had several brilliant saves although he might have prevented the third goal by coming out to intercept the cross. Cooper was at his best, and Dyer also impressed greatly.
The half-backs were strong and resourceful. Taylor, in the first half particularly, revealed form which fully justified his selection as a reserve for the Scottish team. Dunlop also had a good game although he occasionally mistimed his tackles. Anderson, in his first appearance as pivot, did very well, being effective in his headwork.
Pattillo's leadership won him all-round praise. He followed every ball, showed great dash, and his distribution was skilfullv executed. Green was strong and clever at inside left, while Buchan, although not too prominent, played his part well. It was a very crafty move by him which brought about the Dons second goal. Ancell had no superior as a winger, and Dryden crossed several good balls.
Rangers' defence was none too reliable. Woodburn was troubled all through by the wiles of Pattillo. Parlane and Venters were strong grafters, and there can be no doubt the Ibrox club have secured two very clever young playes in Neil and McMorran.

Source: Press & Journal, 14th February 1944