Aberdeen 3 - 2 Buckie Thistle

At the third time of meeting only one goal separated Aberdeen and Buckie Thistle in their battle in the semi-final the Aberdeenshire Cup. The advantage of the odd in five rested with the Pittodrie representatives, although had they taken more advantage of their opportunities they might have had at least another goal. Nearly 8000 spectators witnessed a dour tussle between two pretty evenly matched elevens, and the verdict was that the better team won.
In the first half the exchanges were wonderfully even, Buckie giving a great display against the wind and sleet which prevailed for a time. They played the proper cup-tie game, first-time shooting and accurate swinging passes, and often had the home defence in difficulties. The game of the Aberdeen team was not so attractive, nor so dangerous, but, despite this, they opened the scoring. Swan was the marksman off a corner. Before the interval Thistle got the equaliser through Kay, one of the best forwards afield. In the second half superior training told its tale, and the homesters lasted the pace better than their less experienced opponents. Moir headed No. 2 for the Dons off a fine cross by Duggins, and some time later Mutch rushed through a third, Wood, the Buckie keeper, misjudging a cross from Armstrong. Buckie reduced the lead towards the close, Ross counting from a penalty against McBoyle.
Buckie were well served in goal. Wood, beyond that one mistake, giving a faultless display and effecting some miraculous saves. Garden was the steadiest back on the field, Nicol falling away badly towards the close. Ross was the best of a good middle line, Gray being fair, and McCombie good and bad in turn, although it must be said that the latter had the best wing against him. Kay was the hero the front line and, had he been supported as well in the second half as at the start the result might have been different. His goal was a beauty. Smith distributed the ball well, but was too well watched by McLeod to be often dangerous. Both extreme wingers were good. Kinghorn giving a fine display in the first half, but was leg weary before the finish. Stewart was nippy and centred well, while Newlands was also responsible for some good forcing work.
Lawrie was safe in the Aberdeen goal, and had no chance with either of the goals. McBoyle was the better back, and all the halves were good. "Sandy" Grosert wears well, and makes up for a slight falling off in speed by fine anticipation work. Armstrong was not a success in his new position, although he had some good crosses to his credit. His place is at half-back. His partner was too easily knocked off the ball and did not fit with Moir, who was in good form and responsible for clever leading-out play and harassing tactics. The left wing was the best on the field. Mutch and Duggins striking up a fine understanding.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 26th February 1923