Third Lanark 1 - 1 Aberdeen

Pre-match plans don't always work out. But a bit of boardroom business was definitely the biggest factor in this Cathkin upset. A few weeks back, Dons' new right back, Emery, ran into some Mitchell razzle-dazzle that didn't do his morale any good - and that cost his side a couple of points. Yesterday Emery was over on the left - and usual left-back Pat McKenna was handling the Mitchell-Mason menace. Consequence was a Third Lanark left wing blackout. Mason was never in the picture, Mitchell only occasionally. Neither did their international chances any good. In point of fact, most accomplished forward afield was Mitchell's rival on the left - Pearson. His dazzling footwork and intelligent passing provided the brightest moments of a game lacking in the finer arts. So it was Aberdeen had the better opportunities, and might justly have taken both points. They would have done had Hamilton's shooting - and his luck - been a little better. Once he hit the wood. Once he shot just over. Once he missed altogether with the goal gaping.

Sterling Newcomers

You'll have gathered it wasn't one of Third's brighter days. How right you are. They had Harrower at centre-half because Barclay had flu. The deputy wasn't happy. As a debutante Christie was adequate - but the essential mid-line urge just wasn't there. That contributed to the forward failings. Their breeziest performers were Petrie, Balunas, Kelly, and Mooney, which is sufficient indication of the trend of things. Aberdeen, not yet out of the wood, are at least seeing daylight. Youngster Thomson was grand. So were McLaughlin, Waddell, and McKenna. Pearson's strongest supporter in attack was bustling Tony Harris. Both goals came in the last 18 minutes. First to Third's McCulloch in a goalmouth scrimmage, equaliser to Stan Williams after a Harris header had rebounded from the bar. Postscript - The referee gave Aberdeen a free on the edge of the box. If there was an infringement, I'm sure it was well inside. And that was just before Third Lanark scored.

Source: Sunday Post: 19th September 1948

Dons Deserved Full Points In Drawn Cup Duel ABERDEEN'S start to the League Cup campaign has been quite an auspicious one, and the 1-1 draw with Third Lanark at Cathkin Park on Saturday is a further sign that the team appears to recovering from its bad spell. It would not have been against the run of play had the Dons taken full points. Two Pittodrie players were outstanding - Tommy Pearson, who was the most accomplished player afield and Kenny Thomson, the eignteen-year-old pivot. Tommy Pearson's display must have been a revelation to the Scottish League selectors who were present to have a final check-up on Mitchell, the Third Lanark winger. Pearson, with years of experience behind him, produced all his tricks and one brilliant run in the second half had all the grandstand spectators cheering him - high praise for a member of a visiting side. After a shaky start Thomson played a grand game. It was a pleasure to see him clear confidently and keep the ball in play, and it seems that he has come stay in the Pittodrie line-up. Aberdeen's defensive changes put a damper on the Mason-Mitchell wing. Waddell concentrated on keeping Mason quiet - perhaps to the detriment of his own forwards - and the result was that Mitchell didn't get the sort of service he likes. Strong Defence McKenna gave the winger little room in which to work. On the other flank Emery and McLaughlin were strong in defence, although the back's tackling not too good against the speedy Staroscik. While Aberdeen took special pains to blunt Third Lanark's spearhead, an injury to Barclay had caused the Warriors to rearrange their half-back line. Moonev was moved over to the right, and he was as attentive to Hamilton as Waddell was to Mason. Right from the start the Pittodrie attack looked the more dangerous, but it wasn't until McCulloch had put Third in front with eighteen minutes left for play that they really began to spread panic in the Cathkin rear. Pearson was the instigator of most of the trouble, but all the others popped up to have a try here and there. Finally Hamilton got clear on the left and crossed for Harris to head against the bar. Williams was on the spot to prod horme the rebound. In the closing minutes Pearson robbed Balunas and cut in to release a shot which was worthy of winning any match. The ball flew inches outside the far post.

Source: Press & Journal, 20th September 1948