Falkirk 1 - 4 Aberdeen

THAT 4-1 victory at Brockville was a most encouraging result, not only for the Reserve team which is one of the youngest I can recall at Pittodrie, but for the manager whose first-team choice is being restricted by a string of injuries. Four or five of the lads are already worthy of consideration for promotion and by the end of the season the others will have acquired valuable experience to add to their youthful promise.
After the disappointing 2-1 defeat at home by Clyde, the man who made all the difference at Falkirk was Ian Taylor. Even when he wasn't contributing directly through his pace and industry, he was doing a valuable job of shouting encouragement and instructions to the younger members of the team. He and Jim Hamilton were an outstanding success in the "engine room", the midfield and we had the game won by the time Hamilton was switched to centre half for trialist Kenny Gordon who was showing signs of tiredness. Jimmy Smith came on as substitute for the last 15 minutes.
Keeper Andy Geoghegan made several good saves and John Craig had an immaculate game at left back, often drawing applause from the crowd. The young Dons, of course, don't draw nearly as big an attendance away as they do at Pittodrie but they invariably get vociferous support when they're down south from friends and relations of the boys whose homes are down there. John Craig and Ian Purdie were handicapped in the last 10 minutes with muscle strains. Purdie was opposed to an experienced full back in Abel but came out of the struggles quite well. Charlie Elvin, had far more success on the right flank. He is really playing well at the moment and scored an excellent goal after combining brilliantly with Joe Smith.
Tonight the young Dons get their chance of revenge over the experienced Clyde team at Shawfield. It could be a tough task but this is one the boys have to win if we are to qualify for the semi-finals of the Reserve League Cup. Our last two games, against Dundee and Falkirk, are at Pittodrie but they could be of little consequence with regard to qualifying if we fail to end Clyde's 100% record tonight.

Source: Match Programme, 25th August 1971