Aberdeen 1 - 1 Kilmarnock

Dons fritter away chances

ABERDEEN have placed a tremendous strain on themselves through failing to beat Kilmarnock at Pittodrie in the second round of the Victory Cup competition.
Not only are they faced with a replay in this tie, but they have to meet Rangers at Hampden on Saturday in the final of the League Cup.

With ground advantage and the chances they had, the Dons should have knocked Kilmarnock out of the Victory Cup. The visitors were fortunate to draw 1-1 at Pittodrie. Johnstone, the Aberdeen 'keeper, should have prevented Walsh's goal, and although Hamilton equalised for the Dons, Baird should have made victory secure from a penalty two minutes from time.
It was obvious, of course, that several of the Aberdeen players suffered from the effects of two gruelling games with Airdrie in the League Cup semi-final.
There should never have been any necessity for a replay. Kilmarnock should have been dismissed at the first attempt.

Lesson for Dons

Kilmarnock gave the Dons a lesson which they should take to heart. They went for the ball all the time, and they engaged in first-time and keen tackling, perhaps a little robust at times. Nevertheless it was a paying policy.
In comparison the Dons were slow in making contact, not at all reliable in defence, and very moderate in attack.
On Saturday's form Aberdeen will not stand a ghost of a chance against Rangers.
The only Aberdeen players who earned full marks against Kilmarnock were Kiddie and McKennan the youngest players in the team. The rest were just ordinary.
Provided the necessary permission is granted by the 8.F.A., the replay will take place at Rugby Park on Monday. May 13, at 7 p.m.
Rangers, Celtic, Falkirk, Hibs and Raith Rovers survived the second round, while Clyde and Morton and Cowdenbeath and ThlsUe will require to fight it out again next week.

Source: Press & Journal, 6th May 1946