Queen of the South 3 - 2 Aberdeen

Dons Third Defeat in a Row

All five leading clubs in the Scottish League "A" Division lost ground on Saturday. It was a black day for Aberdeen. Not only did the first team lose to Queen of the South at Dumfries by the odd goal in five - it was the Dons' third defeat on successive Saturdays - but the "A" ieam went under at Pittodrie by 4-3 to Queen of the South "A."
Rangers, who dropped a point on the Morton ground, included Gillick, back after injury, and he scored. Garth obtained both goals for Morton from penalties.
Third Lanark gained a notable success against Hibs, and Celtic triumphed by the same score over Falkirk. Hearts could only draw 3-3 at home with Queen's Park
Dundee continued top-dogs in "B" Division, swamping Dunfermline 6-0 at East End Park.

It may be thought that the Dons were somewhat unlucky to go down at Palmerston Park by the narrowest of margins.
The fact is that the better team won. Queen of the South did not produce football of a high standard but they were a persevering and enthusiastic lot.
Aberdeen did not play well. The team was lopsided. The right flank from Cooper out was good without being brilliant, but the left side of the team, with the exception of McKenna, was definitely weak. Thomson's introduction at left-half did not strengthen the team.
Two of the goals got by the homesters - the second and third - ought to have been prevented. There was a big gap in the centre of the field when McQuade, who had the hat-trick, was left clear to register his second goal. In the case of McQuade's third goal, Johnston was decidedly at fault. He had plenty of time to spare but missed the ball altogether.

Taylor Stands Out

Aberdeen got their goals through Driver and Pattillo respectively. The latter's counter was the best of the five, yet Driver had two chances, not too easy, in the closing minutes, but he failed to accept them.
Taylor was the best half-back on the field. Dunlop worked tremendously hard throughout, but his play was affected by injury received in the first half.
In attack, Baird had his poorest game of the season, but received little backing. Kiddie was enterprising and unfortunate not to score on one occasion. pattillo and he had a good understanding when they joined partnership after the interval. Driver, if not properly tuned up, ahd a good game, but Williams was again too selfish.

Source: Press & Journal, 29th October 1945