Dunfermline Athletic 2 - 1 Aberdeen

THERE was very little between Dunfermline and Aberdeen at East End Park, where the Dons went under by the odd goal in three, in the first leg the semi-final of the Supplementary Cup. Taking the game all over, the homesters just deserved their success. This means that Aberdeen must beat the Athletic by a margin of two clear goals at Pittodrie on Saturday to qualify for the final.

It was the Dons' first defeat in six games, yet that is not to be wondered at, as they were without four of their regular players. From the start, the were not the same balanced and methodical team as in preceding games. There was a tendency, too, on the part the half-backs and inside forwards to hang back instead of going all out, while the Athletic halves, especially in the first half, when the homesters were superior, were always forcing the game. There was a big improvement in th Dons after the interval, and with a little luck they might have drawn level.
There were two outstanding features. One was the brilliant goalkeeping of Johnstone for Aberdeen. He undoubtedly saved his side at very critical moments. He was very unfortunate to lose the second goal. Then there the duels between Cooper and Liddel, the Scottish internationalist. It was a case of youth versus experience. Cooper emerged the victor. Not once during the whole game did Liddle beat the Aberdeen captain, who played one of his best games for the dons. He shadowed Liddell throughout, ana gave him no time to work the ball. The Athletic pinned their faith in Liddell, but Cooper was his master all the time.
McKenna opened none too promisingly, mistiming his tackles, but as the game advanced he improved. The half-backs have often played better, but the condition of the ground was not a help to them. Dunlop was outstanding, and Taylor and Russell did well in the second half.
The forward line was not effective, however. Brwmner, who is now a fully signed player, was slow and cumbersome on the heavy going. Lloyd, undoubtedly a very clever ball manipulator, seemed to tire. Pattillo was best, and got the Dons' goal, but he is more effective at inside right. Cocker was not a failure, but Munro dod not impress.
The Athletic were best served by Allan, Blyth, Kelly, Forbes, and Hood, who scored twice.
A penalty goal gave Dundee a 2-1 victory over Raith Rovers at Dens. Dundee have now a very stiff hurdle in front of them at Stark's Park.

Source: Press & Journal, 18th December 1944