Celtic again provided the opposition in the Scottish Cup semi-final, however the Dons' failed to score in a 4–0 defeat to the eventual cup winners. Vernon revealed that he had been playing the season despite having a recurring hernia injury. After seeing Aberdeen move clear of relegation, Vernon announced that he was to have surgery on his injury and would play no further part in Aberdeen's final fixtures. As a result, the Englishman finished his debut season as Aberdeen's top scorer, scoring 15 goals in 42 appearances.