Partick Thistle 2 - 1 Aberdeen

Fraser Star Performer in Firhill Encounter.

Lack of penetrative power, a weakness that was all too obvious last season, cost Aberdeen two points in their opening match at Firhill.

Aberdeen were the better balanced and better combining side, but the more go-ahead methods of the Jags won the day.
On play the Dons were unfortunate not to get a point, but they have only themselves to blame. Unless the Aberdeen forwards can display more punch at close quarters there is little chance of their taking a prominent part in the championship race.
Either the forwards must learn to snap their chances or changes will have be made.
Aberdeen took matters in hand from the start, but in five minutes they found themselves in arrears.

How Goals Were Scored.

Smart play by Ballantyne saw Ness centre for McLennan to beat Smith from close range.
In seventeen minutes, following sustained pressure by Aberdeen, Beynon struck the upright and Moore equalised. Beynon placed a corner well, and after Spittal had forced the ball practically to the goal-line, Moore tapped it home.
The third and last goal of the game came three minutes from the interval. A ground pass by Bain went through a crowd of players in the goalmouth to Ness, and the winger placed the ball neatly in the net.
The Pittodrie defence was sound rather than brilliant. Smith in goal had no chance with the shots that beat him, while Cooper and McGill held their own with dangerous raiders in Bain and Ness. Both backs, however, have been seen to better advantage.

Best Afield.

The best half-back of the six afield was "Bob" Fraser, Aberdeen's new skipper. He was head and shoulders above the others in the first half, when he broke up numerous Thistle raids and carried the ball upfield to set his forwards In action.
Although Falloon did not do badly, he was not the irrepressible Falloon we have come to expect, while Thomson was clever on the hail but weak with his placing.
Spittal. Aberdeen's new left winger from Rosslyn Juniors, seems likely to retain his place. He is tricky, crosses a nice ball and is not afraid to shoot.
Benyon on the right was a fast and dangerous raider, and compared favourably with any forward afield.
Aberdeen's weakness was at inside forward. Moore held the line together well, but did not appear to be as quick to snap chances as of yore.
Mills' distribution was good, but he was slow in his movements, while Warnock, the best and hardest worker of the trio in the first half, fell away after the interval.
Partick, who were being tipped as likely to be one of the principal challengers for League honours, did not impress. They lacked finesse.
The rear trio was sound but not brilliant, while the half-back line, which was looked upon as the strong department of the side, was no better than the Aberdeen trio.

Often Dangerous.

If lacking in subtlety, the attack was fast and often dangerous. Bain and McLennan, the former Buckie Thistle players, showed smart touches, although neither was given much opportunity to shine. Ness and Ballantyne, the schemer of the line, were the danger men.

Source: Press & Journal, 13th August 1934