Aberdeen 1 - 1 Celtic

Forwards Skilful, But Fail Near Goal

ANOTHER League Championship is almost assured for Rangers. The Light Blues have certainly the stiffer part of their programme to fulfil, but they have built up such a commanding lead that only a total collapse in form can deprive them of the honour.
They have a lead of six points over Motherwell and Celtic, and Seven over Aberdeen and Hearts. They won convincingly at home over Kilmarnock on Saturday. Motherwell Jumped into stcond place again with an away victory Dumfries, whereas Aberdeen dropped to fourth place through only drawing with Celtic at Pittodrie.

The Dons should have won this game. For practically three-fourths of the time they were on the offensive, yet they could not get the necessary goal to make certain of both points.
They got off to a great start when Bremner put them in the lead in two minutes, but Celtic equalised through Kiernan in twenty-three minutes. From that stage onwards, it was practicably a case of the Celtic defence against the whole Aberdeen team. The Dons had a string of chances, but failed to take them.
Celtic have certainly to thank their defence for saving a point. Taking the game all over, the Dons were the superior team. There was a big improvement compared with the previous week at Paisley. The rearguard played its part well, the half-backs were highly successful both in destructive and constructive work, while the attack played with enthusiasm, and at times revealed much cleverness.
Yet the forwards failed when it came to the vital point of getting goals. It is true they had several commendable efforts at scoring, but when practically open chances presented themselves the forwards did not accept them. What a pity! If these chances had not gone abegging the Dons would have been in second place once again on goal average.

Cowie's Great Game

rom an Aberdeen point view, the outstanding feature was the grand display given by Cowie at right back. Before the game, there were doubts as to whether he was ready to be introduced to the first team after demobilisation. There can be no doubts now. His form was reminiscent of his pre-war displays, when he was without doubt one of the outstanding backs in Scottish football.
Henderson in goal is also due a word of commendatioh. He performed very confidently throughout.
In a half-back lihe which was very strong, Frank Dunlop was outstanding. He gave the opposing centre little scope.
Green was the best of the forwards. He added much-needed punch to the line.
The official attendance was 21,000. For most of the game a fairly thick fog enveloped the ground, and there were periods when it was really difficult to follow the play.

Source: Press & Journal, 17th December 1945