Aberdeen 2 - 2 Ayr United

Wednesday was the first occasion on which I had seen the Aberdeen Reserves play since the month of October. I must say I was very disappointed with their form against Ayr United "A" in the semi-final of the Second XI Cup. I have been told time and again that the Dons' second team was as good as the first. That is far from being the case, and I can readily understand why practically the same team was so heavily beaten at Motherwell. The Reserves have still a chance to win the Alliance. There is also a very, very faint hope of them appearing in the final of the Second XI Cup against Rangers, but I'm afraid it will require a much stronger team to beat Ayr United "A" in the replay at Somerset Park.
At Pittodrie on Wednesday, before 6000 spectators, the Reserves had a greater share of the play than their opponents, but that was all. There was a better understanding in the ranks of the visitors, who at one period of the game led by two clear goals scored by Simpson. A great goal form Yorston reduced the lead before the interval. The scores were made level by McLaren, who converted a penalty in the second half.
Chief blame for the failure to win this tie must be attributed to McSevick, who failed to gather the ball when Ayr scored their second goal. The forwards, however, were a very feeble lot in the first period. They improved later, but on the whole their display was poor. Only Yorston and Falloon impressed, and it was not the fault of either of these players that the team did not win. McLaren was the best of the half-backs, although Muir was a good destructive pivot. Cooper and Bruce were both erratic at back. The former has a long way to go before he is up to First League standard judging by his form in this game. Apart from his error of judgement referred to, McSevick did well.
The visitors were better balanced, and possessed a very dangerous attack.

Source: Bon-Accord, 31st March, 1928

By only drawing 2-2 with Ayr United "A" before 6,000 spectators at Pittodrie yesterday afternoon, Aberdeen "A" seriously jeopardised their chances of meeting Rangers "A" in the final the Scottish 2nd XI. Cup competition. In fact, it was only by penalty goal, scored mid-way through the second period, that they managed to force a replay at Ayr.
The United held the upper hand in the opening stages, and after Simpson had opened their account and followed with a second goal, Aberdeen seemed to lose confidence. The Aberdeen forwards missed many opportunities of reducing the leeway, before Yorston, the homesters' most effective forward, scored a brilliant goal. For practically the whole of the second half Aberdeen "A" monopolised play, and the Ayr goal was on more than one occasion not to fall. The United, however, when they did get going were very dangerous and caused the Aberdeen defence much anxiety. After bombarding the visitors' goal for some time a claim for a penalty by Aberdeen went unheeded, but immediately after the referee upheld another claim, and McLaren equalised from the spot kick. The homesters tried desperately but vainly to secure the deciding goal.

McSEVICH'S ONE MISTAKE.

McSevich made only one mistake in the Aberdeen goal, this being when Simpson scored Ayr's second point. The defence was none too strong under pressure. McLaren at right half showed well, as also did Muir. Yorston was the best forward on the field, and Falloon and Lawson were also in good form. Best for Ayr United were Dean, Watson, Nisbet, Tolland, and Simpson.

Source: Press & Journal, 29th March 1928