St Johnstone 1 - 3 Aberdeen

On muddy Muirton Park, robust and resolute Aberdeen "A" never looked like losing their Scottish Second XI Cup tie (third round) against St Johnstone's reserve string. That the Pittodrie men deserved their 3-1 win there was not the shadow of a doubt. Had all the forwards finished as well as Cosgrove, the margin between the teams at the finish would have been greater.
Physically, there was a distinct disparity between the sides, the Northerners having the advantage, and on a bog-like pitch the lighter Saints undoubtedly laboured under a handicap. Unlike their opponents, Aberdeen adopted the right tactics for the occasion, and throughout the full course of the game they played with fine purpose and understanding. Turning round with a goal lead, McSevick and his backs successfully resisted a determined Perth challenge, and towards the end MacFarlane, who had not shot too well, settled the issue with a soft goal.
No one did better in this keenly-contested match than McSevick, who, unlike Brodie, made no mistake, and certainly pulled his side through that dangerous period in the second half. Duff Bruce, not too kindly treated by spectators who resented his methods off meeting the home right wing, was a dour defender, and Cooper, if not always the master of Nicholson, generally did well. The winners held an obvious advantage at half-back, McLaren, Muir and Ross forming a forceful, if not too constructive trio. The ex-Nithsdale Wanderer was a prodigious worker and shone as a shot, the woodwork twice stopping commendable efforts from the middleman.
Cosgrove, who opened the scoring early on and counted again after L. McBain had equalised from a penalty, was a steadying influence in the attack and shot with power and accuracy. Falloon gave a taking display on the right; he carried the ball down well, had always the whip-hand of the veteran Penman in the matter of speed and generally contrived to get across his centre. Centre-forward MacFarlane distributed nicely and gathered smartly, but he did not shine as an opportunist. He ought to have had more than one goal.
St Johnstone "A," who missed Neil McBain at centre-half, never quite played up to recent form. Brodie, the new 'keeper from East Fife, might have saved the first and last goals, although he cleared brilliantly on numerous occasions.

Source: Bon-Accord, 24th March, 1928

Aberdeen "A" put up a creditable performance at Perth, where they defeated St Johnstone "A" by three goals to one in the third round of the Scottish Second XI. Cup competition.
Aberdeen quickly settled down, and Cosgrove gave them the lead after seven minutes. Aberdeen's lead was short-lived, however, as McBain equalised from a penalty given away by Bruce. The Dons' defence gave a sound display, and continual pressure by St Johnstone had no result. Aberdeen rallied, and Cosgrove again gave them the lead. With the advantage Aberdeen played clever football, and McFarlane was prominent with good shots. But for weak finishing the visitors might well have increased their lead before the interval. Following a spirited attack by the Saints, Aberdeen broke away, and Lawson hit the crossbar. Play swung quickly from end to end, each keeper being given plenty do. McSevich gave a clever display in the visitors' goal. Aberdeen were slightly superior and the Saints' goal had more than one narrow escape before McFarlane converted a pass, to increase their total to three.

Source: Press & Journal, 19th March 1928