Celtic 1 - 1 Aberdeen

DONS STILL HEAD DIVISION "A"

CELTIC were fortunate, in a way, to divide the points wih Aberdeen at Parkhead.

In the first half the Dons were definitely the better team, and with a little luck they might have been leading 4-1 at the interval. Before Pattillo equalised McLaughlan's goal, shots by Kiddie and Baird struck the woodwork. Then, after the Dons drew level, Williams failed with the easiest scoring chance of the game.
After half-time, Aberdeen were a good deal on the defensive, due more to their determination to keep Celtic from scoring the winning goal rather than to superior play by the homesters.
In the last quarter of an hour there was desperation in everything Celtic tried and did. From an Aberdeen point of view - particularly as four of their best players were absent - the result was satisfactory. This point keeps them at the top of the Division on goal average over Motherwell and Hearts.

Dunlop Outstanding

Aberdeen's substitutes were by no means failures. MKenna was perhaps a little rash in the way went in to tackle Delaney. Thomson at left half had a good game until he tired towards the end, while Green did some useful work at outside left. Baird showed well until he was injured in the second half. It was he who made the opening for Pattillo's goal.
The men who stood out the Aberdeen team when the Celtic offensive was at its height were Johnstone, Cooper and Duniop. Johnstone, even although he should have cut out Delaney's cross when McLaughlan scored, did great work in the closing stages. Cooper won all-round praise for his sterling play.
Dunlop was the outstanding figure on view. He blotted out McLaughlan and played a part in subduing Delaney. Taylor was a grand forcing half.
Celtic must be sorry they allowed Kiddle to sign for Aberdeen. He had a grand first half. His ball control was magnificent, and time and again he left McAulay and Ferguson standing.
Pattillo worked untiringly throughout, and was unlucky with two great scoring efforts. His goal was well taken. Williams never gave up trying. He was always on top of the defence.
Celtic are not the Celtic of old.

Source: Press & Journal, 3rd September 1945