Aberdeen 2 - 0 Arbroath

BOTH Aberdeen and Arbroath will have to show considerable improvement on Saturday's form if they are to finish among the leaders of the North Eastern League. The Dons were the better team - they won by two clear goals - but that does not imply that their standard of play was high. Indeed on occasions it was very moderate. Arbroath were weak in all divisions except goal. Never at any time did they give the impression that they would beat the Dons.
The latter failed to register what should have been a substantial victory because they had not the forwards who could snap the opportunities presented, and because the half-backs preferred to balloon the ball rather than keep it on the ground.
The Dons, however, did keep their goal intact but away victories for Dundee - Aberdeen go to Dens Park this week - and Dunfermline and home successes for Dundee United and Rangers will make them realise that have a hard struggle ahead.
Little fault could be found with the defence, whose task was easy. Johnstone's kicking could be improved, however. Cooper and Dyer were good backs. At half, Dunlop was outstanding. Anderson was strong in defence. The attack never settled. Green got through a lot of work, but wasted several good opportunities. Buchan was clever on the ball, but lacked drive and finishing power. Pattillo was well held. Cocker was thrustful on the right, and Munro will improve with experience.
Brownlee in goal for Arbroath was as confident as ever. Fordyce was the better back, with Woods a powerful pivot. McIntosh was the only forward to cause the home defence any trouble, although Ferguson, now an Arbroath player, showed cleverness on the ball.
There was an estimated of 10,000.

Source: Press & Journal, 14th August 1944