Motherwell 1 - 3 Aberdeen

Dons Give Best Display of Season at Fir Park

ABERDEEN have not played better this season than against Motherwell at Fir Park, where they won by 3-1. This, incidentally, was the Dons' second double victory during the present season.

There was ease and freedom about the play of the Dons. They played with great enthusiasm right from the start. Their minds were set on victory, and, frankly, they were always playing so well even although they did not have any luck in the first half, that no one could visualise them losing the game.
The outstanding feature about their play was that they made a point of getting the ball first.
The half-backs, in particular, never allowed the Motherwell forwards time to settle.
They went into the tackle quickly and successfully, and in nine cases out of ten emerged with the ball. That was the right policy. The half-backs contributed greatly to the victory.
The forward line has come in for severe criticism during the past few weeks. They asked for it, and they got it, but on Saturday's showing they were worthy of all praise.
In no match this season has there been such rhythm, understanding, punch and wholehearted endeavour. Frank Dunlop opened the Dons' account with a great goal. Stan Williams got the other two, and they were typical Williams efforts. Yet it has to be recorded that with any luck at all the forwards would have had at least three more goals. They shot at every opportunity. There were several efforts which did not count but which were worthy of goals.
Motherwell's only goal was got by McGowan.

In Full Command

The Dons' win was a great performance, especially against a team of Motherwell's reputation, and on the latter's ground at that. Motherwell were mastered from the beginning. The Dons always looked like winners, even although they were a goal down at the interval.
Henderson in the Dons' goal was always confident. He was cheered for one brilliant save in the second half. Cowie was an outstanding back. His greatest asset is his ability to sense what an opponent is going do. it was he who crossed the ball which enabled Williams to give the Dons the lead. McKenna played his part well. He kicked a good ball, and timed his tackling better. Green, Dunlop and TayLor were a great trio.
Paton, the Motherwell pivot who played for Scotland, could not be classed with Dunlop on the latter's showing.
Green and Taylor were grand purveyors, and their defensive work was all that could desired.
Has Stan Williams solved the centre-forward problem? He certainly filled the bill on this occasiom. He was for ever probing the home defence. They did not like it. His goals were well taken. Williams' worrying tactics gave Baird and Pattillo the necessary freedom, and they made full use it. Pattillo has not played so well for a long time. He has regained his confidence.
Both Kiddie and McCall were excellent wingers. Kiddie had a grand first half, and McCall has not been so lively in any previous game.

Source: Press & Journal, 31st December 1945