Aberdeen 4 - 1 Hamilton

Aberdeen were always the more aggressive side, and at the interval they were two goals ahead, Cheyne and Yorston being the scorers. In the second half Yorston scored two more and in the closing minute Moffat counted for the visitors. Estimated attendance 12,000.

Source: Glasgow Herald, 3rd December 1928

Despite their high position on the league table, Aberdeen, who had not won a game for six weeks, easily beat Hamilton Academicals at Pittodrie, the visitors going under by 4 goals to 1. The feature of an uninspiring game was a "hat trick' by Yorston, the Aberdeen centre-forward. This player was in his nippiest mood, and was the most dangerous forward on the field.

How the Game Went.

Aberdeen had an advantage from wind and sun in the first half. They however took some time to settle down, and the Academicals were first to press, Yuill having to save from Howe. Ultimately the visitors were forced on defence, and after Smith had fielded from Yorston, that player and Cheyne both shot wide. Yuill ran out, and frustrated McCabe in the act of shooting, and after fine play on the home left, Yorston had Smith in action. Following a run and cross by F. Wilson, Moffat, just missed the home goal. This escape had the effect of wakening up Aberdeen, and subsequently they brought pressure to bear on the Hamilton defence. Smith and Yorston both had good shots parried by the goalkeeper, who was lucky to have the assistance of J. Wilson to clear the centre-forward's effort, and following a corner kick, McDermid had a shot blocked. For a time Aberdeen were much superior, but while they had a number of shots, these were usually from long range. Cheyne, Yorston and Love all had tries, and a shot by Smith found the woodwork with the Hamilton goalkeeper beaten.

The First Goal.

The first score came after half an hour. McDermid and Smith carried through a clever movement and Yorston's header went to Cheyne, who completely missed the ball but with a second effort, he made no mistake and shot hard into the net. Another success almost fell to Aberdeen, a ball from Smith swerving just wide of the Hamilton goal. Subsequently the Academicals attack came into prominence. Moffat got beyond the home back but Yuill blocked his shot, and McLuckie, who was faced with virtually an open goal, completely missed the ball. The home goal had another escape shortly afterwards, when Wilson had a shot which Yuill deflected against the cross-bar, and the ball ultimately went for a bye after several players had missed it.

Yorston's First.

Near the interval Aberdeen again applied pressure, and they got a second success when Yorston accepted a pass from Black and the centre-forward ran on to shoot a good goal, the ball glancing into the net off the keeper's elbow.
Both ends were raided in the opening stages of the second half. McDermid sent behind from a difficult angle, and McCabe had a great shot that miscarried by inches. Subsequently the game again veered in favour of Aberdeen. Off Yorston's cross Love headed on to the crossbar, and after Cheyne had shot wide, Love had a terrific shot that struck the Accics' goalkeeper on the arm and was deflected. Smith was often in action after this. He cleared from his Aberdeen namesake, and from Yorston and Cheyne, but ultimately had to admit defeat a third time when, following a fine individual movement by Cheyne, who beat opponents, Yorston, from out on the left, scored a beautiful goal.

The "Hat Trick."

With a lead of three goals and the issue safe in their keeping, Aberdeen eased up, but even so they still were superior, and soon got a fourth goal. Smith got possession, and his pass to Yorston was smartly improved upon by the centre-forward, who completed his "hat trick." He almost got another goal, when, from McDermid's pass, his shot was inches wide. Although so far in arrears the Academicals continued to fight pluckily, and they were rewarded with a goal when, after a run and cross by F. Wilson, Moffat got through to score, the ball finding the net off the upright.
At the visitors' end Yorston and Cheyne had unsuccessful efforts for Aberdeen, and near the close the home goal had another narrow escape when Howe shot against the outside of the net after the defence had failed to clear.

Little Excitement.

Watched by about 12,000 spectators, the game was interesting enough without being very exciting. Aberdeen well deserved their win. They were much superior at half-back and forward, especially at centre-forward and on the left-wing. There was, too, more craft in the play of the Aberdeen inside forwards. The outstanding successes of the afternoon were Livingstone, Black, Yorston, Cheyne, and Smith for Aberdeen, and Smith, Allan, Sharp, F. Wilson, and McCabe for the Academicals.

Source: Press & Journal, 3rd December 1928