Aberdeen 3 - 1 Raith Rovers

SINCE the Mitchell Trophy competition was instituted three seasons ago, Aberdeen have won it twice. Last year they were defeated in the semi-final by Raith Rovers, and now they are once more in the semi-final at the expense of the Kirkcaldy club. The Dons meet Falkirk home and away in the penultimate stage, and there is a prospect of an Aberdeen-Rangers final.

The Dons beat the Rovers 3-1 at Pittodrle. They were the better team, and their victory is all the more praiseworthy when it is taken into account that they were without such players as Cooper, Miller, Baird and Lloyd.
The Fifers fought stubbornly in the first half of a game in which the football never reached a high standard. In the second half, the Dons were master, after Pattillo put them in the lead, and followed with a second. Cocker scored the third goal. The Dons slackened in the closing stages, and Weatherspoon slipped through to score for the Rovers.
Aberdeen had the better defence. Johnstone was safe in goal, and McKenna and Dyer ound at back. Johnston (Hearts) impressed at centre-half, and he had good henchmen in Taylor and Cruickshank. Forward, Pattillo and williams were the men who mattered.
Thomson, who deputised for Bruce in the Rovers' goal, came through with credit but the backs were none too sound. Low was outstanding at half, and Glassey and Penman best in attack.
Aberdeen are now champions of the North-Eastern League. Rangers only drew at Tynecastle, and this leaves them a point behind the Dons, who have still to play Hearts.

Source: Press & Journal, 4th June 1945