Queen of the South 0 - 0 Aberdeen

More Changes Likely Among Forwards

ABERDEEN'S football future is still uncertain.

A goal-less draw with Queen of the South at Dumfries on Saturday meant another precious point in the battle for survival in "A" Division, but the situation remains fluid.
The Dons' next two matches will be decisive. In successive weeks they meet Morton and Clyde, two teams in similar trouble, and if they can't get points from both these engagemfents the consequfences will be disastrous.
Lack of punch in attack has been part of Aberdeen's downfall this season, and it was soon evident against Queen of the South that the latest forward formation had no new ideas on the art of getting the ball in the net. A draw was a fair result, but the Dons created the better scoring chances and failed to turn them to account.
Further forward changes appear likely. Pearson has not the thrust necessary for an inside forward, and the hard-working Williams threatened more danger, although his shooting was well off the target.
Harris, too, was a trier, and although he had the the best shot of the game he generally found the watchful Aird too much for him. Aird and Roy shared the defensive honours, and Billy Houliston's performance against the Aberdeen pivot certainly didn't enhance his prospects for Wembley.

Negative Play

There was a lot of negative play on both sides. Until he changed places with Pearson, Hather was the most progressive winger, and an early cross by him should have brought a goal. Later he was guilty of missing chances after having the heels of the defence.
Rice was disappointing. Often he stopped progress by a short pass which was snapped by Hamilton. The former Hibs winger must learn to get the ball into the middle more often.
Apart from Ancell, who was uncertain at times against the wily Johnston, there was nothing wrong with the Aberdeen defence. Both Stenhouse and Waddell fought hard to get things running for their side, and they deserved a better response from the men in front. Harris had the only try of note in the whole match, and was Henderson was lucky to throw up his right arm to deflect tile Ball for a corner.
Curran had a much easier time than last week. He averted danger on one occasion when Houliston burst through, and twice saved from Jenkins when the inside left had a hard ground shot and then a good header from McCulloch's cross.

Source: Press & Journal, 28th March 1949