Ayr United 3 - 2 Aberdeen

A curious sort of game, moderate in the extreme, was served up at Somerset Park, Ayr, between Ayr United, struggling for points, and Aberdeen. In the end Ayr captured both points. Ayr practically monopolised play in the first half, and scored through Merrie and McCall. Shortly after the resumption Aberdeen were awarded a penalty. From the spot kick Falloon reduced the leeway. Merrie scored a third for Ayr and towards the end Aberdeen forwards came more into the picture, David converting from a corner kick. It was touch and go until the whistle blew whether Aberdeen would score again. Despite the closeness of the result Ayr were the better side and were strongest where Aberdeen were weakest - at half-back. The Aberdeen forwards, for a long period, got little or no support. Love and McLean did some foraging on their own, and were the visitors' best forwards. Ayr's forwards monopolised the play during almost three-fourths of the game, but poor finishing was their undoing. Smith is due a meed of praise for his exhibition in goal, and was probably unlucky not to save McLean's shot. The winners were well served by Fleming, Taylor, Brae, Merrie, and Smith. Ayr's latest recruit, Brannan, partnered Brae on the left instead of Tolland, and with experience should do better. The attendance was 6000.

Source: The Scotsman, 1st February 1932

In a game, the result of which had vital consequences for Ayr United, Aberdeen were beaten by the odd goal in five at Somerset Park. There were 6000 spectators, and they looke on at a game in which the play never rose above mediocrity. Play had only lasted theee minutes when Brae, the home outside left, centred accurately for Merrie to head past Smith.
Subsequently the United had much the better of the exchanges, and and only fine defensive work by Falloon, Cooper and McGill kept them from increasing their lead. Several chances came the way of the United, and Merrie was at fault on at least two occasions.
The game had gone thirty-two minutes when McCall lobbed a ball forward and it completely deceived the Aberdeen goalkeeper, who allowed it to drop over his hands into the net.
In the subsequent exchanges, Love and McLean occasionally raised the siege, but generally the United had the better of the exchanges and well deserved their lead of 2-0.

Penalty Goal.

After half time Aberdeen rallied. McLean and Love continued to be raiders-in-chief. Ten minutes had gone when Willis was adjudged to have brought down Beattie illegitimately in the penalty area, and from the spot-kick Falloon made no mistake.
Encouraged by this success, Aberdeen came away strongly, and Love, McLean and Beattie had efforts which went close.
The United again came away strongly, and following clever play by Brannan, Merrie headed a fine third goal for Ayr. Subsequently Aberdeen applied strong pressure, but they were weak at close quarters, and Hepburn was not seriously troubled.
With fifteen minutes to go Aberdeen got a second goal. Love forced a corner, and from the resultant kick David headed past the home goalkeeper. Shortly afterwards, Willis, the Ayr right back, averted the equaliser when he stopped a certain scorer from McLean, being laid out the process. In the later stages Aberdeen were on top, but the United defence held them at bay.

Defenders on Top.

It was a poor game in which few players distinguished themselves Generally defence was master of attack, but neither department on either side was impressive.
For Aberdeen. Cooper, McGill, and Fraser in defence, and McLean and Love in attack were the players who impressed most.
Ayr United were best served by Willis, McLeod, McCall, Brannan, Merrie and Brae. .

Source: Press & Journal, 1st February 1932