Aberdeen 3 - 0 Third Lanark

One of the outstanding features of the opening games in Scottish football on Saturday was the fact that Aberdeen, Queen the South and Kilmarnock, the three teams elected to "A" Division of the League, recorded victories.
Aberdeen won by three clear goals against Ihird Lanark at Pittodrie, as did Queen of the South against Hibs at Dumfries. Kilmarnock's win over Queen's Park by the odd goal in five at Hampden was a fine performance.
The Rugby Park team's success means that Aberdeen, who visit that ground this week, have a very stiff hurdle in front of them.
So far as results are concerned, however, the sensation was the defeat of Rangers by Motherwell at Ibrox. Then Clyde, who were expected to win easily, fell St Mirren at Shawfield, and Partick Thistle beat Hamilton Accies at Douglas Park.

Aberdeen beat Third Lanark just as easily as the score indicates.
The Dons were not brilliant, but their performance justified the impression that they will do well in the senior division. There are weaknesses, but these can remedied.

BAIRD OUTSTANDING

Outstanding man in the Pittodrie eleven was Baird at inside left. Now out of the Army he is able to devote more time to training, and already this is having a beneficial effect. He controlled the ball cleverly, beat his man easily, and was unselfish in his distribution.
Johnstone was seldom troubled In the home goal; Cooper and Dyer were good backs but it was not until the second half that the wing halves really impressed. Bremner parted with the ball well, but Taylor was slow finding his form. Dunlop was grand throughout.
Forward, Driver, of Sheffield Wednesday, showed that he will be an asset once he is properly tuned up. Pattillo, who had the first goal, was a rare grafter, and Miller, while not at his best, scored two grand goals. Williams clung too long to the ball.
McBride in goal saved Third Lanark from a heavier defeat. Balunas was the better back. Barclay outstanding at half-back, and W. Harrower best in attack.
The crowd of 15,000 showed that the return to better class football is welcomed the city.
Mr W. Philip, the Aberdeen director, unfurled the championship flag won by the Dons the last N.E. League tournament.
The Aberdeen Reserve team, which included four of the new players, was defeated at Cathkin by 3-0 in the Reserve League.

Source: Press & Journal, 13th August 1945