Aberdeen 1 - 3 Heart of Midlothian

The Heart of Midlothian provided attractive visitors to Pittodrie Park, Aberdeen, about 16,000 spectators giving the Edinburgh side a rousing reception on taking the field. Under perfect ground and weather conditions the Hearts gave a fine display of clever and effective football, showing no weakness in any department, in in winning by 3 goals to 1 getting no more that their due reward. Except during a period of about ten minutes at the start of the second half Aberdeen were generally playing a defensive role, though the sudden dashes of their front line were often dangerous. In fact, the result might have been very different but for several magnificent saves by Gilfillan, who was deputising for Harkness in the Hearts' goal. On four occasions he stopped shots that seems certain to find their billet. Apart from the brief period mentioned, however, there was no questioning the Hearts' superiority in each department, and they were always playing a winning game. The greatest disparity between the two sides was at half-back, where Kerr, Johnstone and Bennie were far ahead of the Aberdeen line, especially in constructive ability. In giving Bennie pride of place on account of his great backing of the forwards, there is no belittling of the work of the other two, as each in his own way had a big say in the side's win. Herd and King were ready-kicking and resolute backs, who never flinched under the fiercest Aberdeen attack, and they, too, fully paid their way. In the front line the left wing perhaps overshadowed the right, partly because the play veered mostly in their direction, but more certainly because they were in opposition to the weaker side of the Aberdeen defence. Battles was a successful leader of the line, and, if unable to do much shooting himself, he distributed the play cleverly and impartially. Murray opened the scoring for the Hearts in 35 minutes from an opening provided by Bennie. Seven minutes later Battles forced the Aberdeen goalkeeper to drop the ball, and in the ensuing mix-up in front of goal, Livingstone accidentally put the ball into his own net, the Hearts leading at the interval by 2 goals to 0. In the opening stages of the second half Merrie scored for Aberdeen from close range from a cross by Love, on the right wing, and in 20 minutes Battles added the Hearts' third goal with a splendid shot after McMillan had cleverly left the ball "on" for him. Previous to this game Aberdeen had not dropped a single point at Pittodrie this season.

Source: The Scotsman, 29th October 1928

From start to finish it was a lively and interesting game. Only after McHale, the home centre-half, was injured did Hearts have the better of the play. Near the interval Murray scored their first goal, and Livingstone putting the ball past his own keeper increased the visitors' lead. Aberdeen played the whole of the second half with ten men and more than held their own. Merrie reduced the leeway. Battles made the points secure for Hearts. Estimated attendance 14,000.

Source: The Glasgow Herald, 29th October 1928

Defeated by Hearts at Pittodrie by 3 goals to 1, Aberdeen were distinctly unfortunate to be beaten at home for the first time this season. On play, Hearts deserved to win, but Aberdeen were downright unlucky in the circumstances of the game.
Early in the first half McHale, the home centre half, came by a face injury and had to be assisted off, it being ascertained he had sustained a broken nose. He returned in the course of the half, and for a time figured at inside-left. McDermid essaying the role of centre-half. Later they resumed their normal positions, but McHale obviously played under handicap.
As the result of these happenings, Aberdeen became disorganised, and their defeat can be attributed directly to their ill-fortune in regard to McHale's injury.

Hearts Superior.

Hearts were always the smoother-working and better balanced team. Their forwards worked harmoniously together, and they were stronger at wing half and right back. In the latter position in the home team, Muir deputised for Jackson, who had injured himself at practice, and the reserve back was not seen to advantage.
Yuill in the home goal had a number of smart saves, but was not blameless for the loss of the first goal. Livingstone touched top form at back, and was Aberdeen's best defender. McDermid showed up well in both positions', but the wing halfs were below the standard of those of Hearts. Forward, Love and Cheyne were best, but the line was ragged. Hearts were strong in all departments. Gilfillan saved finely on occasions, and Herd and King were two resolute backs. All three half-backs displayed good form, Johnstone particularly taking the eye. Forward, Smith, Battles, and Murray were most prominent in a line that was always dangerous.

Aberdeen Handicapped.

Hearts were aggressive at the start, and Livingstone stopped Battles in the nick of time. Then Aberdeen attacked, and Cheyne was wide with a first-time effort. For a time Hearts had the better of the exchanges, and Battles had a great chance, but missed his kick. Later Smith and Millar went close with shots. At this stage McHale was injured and had to assisted off, McDermid falling back centre half and Aberdeen playing four forwards. Aberdeen were kept on the defensive for a time, but Smith raised the siege with a sprint in which he beat two opponents and forced a corner. After ten minutes' absence McHale returned, and Aberdeen took a larger share in the play. Yuill saved from Murray, and Merrie just missed with a fine shot. Hearts kept swinging the ball, and the home defence had a trying time. Off a smart return by McLeod, Cheyne had a terrific shot knocked out by Gilfillan, and then the home inside right had another fine try, the Hearts goalkeeper deflecting the ball over the bar.

Hearts on the Lead.

After 35 minutes' play Hearts went ahead, a shot Murray taking Yuill unawares, and the goalkeeper let the ball slip over the line. Following this McHale was again injured and had to retire. Hearts almost increased their lead through Murray, whose shot went narrowly over. Near the interval further disaster overtook Aberdeen. McDermid, in attempting to clear, sent the ball against, Livingstone, off whom it rebounded into the net. Following this Merrie came near with a header, but Hearts retained their 2-0 lead at half-time.

One for Aberdeen.

McHale did not re-appear with Aberdeen, but short-handed, they made a brilliant resumption. Love dashed away and after carrying the ball close in, he passed to Merrie, who scored a lovely goal from close range.
Encouraged by this success, Aberdeen maintained a vigorous offensive and Smith shot wide from long range. McHale resumed and went inside left, but Hearts rallied again and Yuill had to save from Miller and McWilliam. Love raised Aberdeen's hopes with a touchline dash, but his cross was headed over by McHale.
Hearts afterwards again took up the running, and receiving from the left, Battles raced through to shoot a brilliant third goal for Hearts. Subsequently McDermid and McHale resumed their usual places and for a time Aberdeen had rather the better of the exchanges. Love forced a corner, and following this, Smith sent wide of the Hearts goal. Yuill was in action to Miller and Smith, and Cheyne and Love had commendable efforts for Aberdeen, but generally the Edinburgh defenders were master of the situation and had no great difficulty in retaining their team's lead. There were 16,000 spectators.

Source: Press & Journal, 22nd October 1928