Aberdeen 2 - 1 Buckie Thistle

HARD, CLOSE MATCH: FINISHING WEAK

Buckie Thistle, Highland League champions, impressed when they fell by the odd goal in three to Aberdeen "A" at Pittodrie on Saturday in the first of the two qualifying matches for the right of entry to the Dewar Shield competition.

In a hard, close struggle the Young Dons just deserved their slender lead. They were slightly ahead in skill, although in finishing there was little between the teams both missed numerous chances.
The Young Dons played with more method, and there always seemed more danger in their attacks. The scoring should have opened some time before it actually did. First Duncan missed a good chance for Buckie, then Taylor miskicked when in good position. Later the " Jags' " goal had two narrow escapes, following which Bain dallied too long when he had a clear view of the goal and was dispossessed.

YOUNG DONS SCORE FIRST

It was not until ten minutes from the interval that the Young Dons opened the scoring. Ritchie Smith heading home a Taylor cross when Wood left his goal in an effort to clear.
Buckie played spiritidly after the interval, and drew level after twenty-five minutes. Lobban was impeded the penalty area, and Middleton made no mistake from the spot. Five minutes later, however, Devers scored the winning goal, again from a pass from Taylor.
Buckie strove desperately to get on level terms again, but the Young Dons' defence was equal to the best the eager forwards could produce.
Wood performed efficiently in the visiting goal, while he was well covered by James and John Bowie. Middleton was best in the half-back line, while Duncan, Cormack, and Calder were the pick of the forwards.

YOUNG DONS' PLAY

Although hard pressed at times, the Young Dons' defence was sound all over and gave little away. Smith, McGill, and Newton played well, while Warnock, although out of position, played splendidly at right half. Currer policed the middle of the field effectively, while Devine worked hard at left-half.
G. Scott was one of the hardest working forwards, and R. Smith and Defers combined well on the left. Scott was forceful leader, and Taylor sent over some lovely passes.

Source: Press & Journal, 19th April 1937