Aberdeen 1 - 1 Albion Rovers

FORWARDS WEAK AT CLOSE QUARTERS

Aberdeen gave a disappointing display at Pittodrie. They drew a game that might have been won with the greatest of ease.

Except that Smith was absent from goal and Mills from the forward line, the team was the same as gained that splendid Scottish Cup victory over Celtic the previous week.
It was difficult to believe this, for the players, though hard-working, seemed to lack zest. It was not that the opposition was strong, as a matter of fact, the Rovers, uncomfortably near the bottom of the table, were a mediocre side.

Rovers' Desperate Fight

To the Coatbridge team the points were of vital importance, and although they must be given credit for the desperate manner in which they fought, they were at a big disadvantage territorially.
Chief responsibility for Aberdeen's failure to collect both points must be shouldered by the forwards. Chances were thrown away recklessly. The line as a whole lacked its usual cohesion, and was palpably weak at close quarters.
Mills was badly missed at inside-left. Westland (J.), who deputised, was plucky and enthusiastic, but he lacked craft and experience.
Armstrong was a fearless and dashing leader, and took his goal neatly, but he suffered form on lack of support. Benyon, on the extreme right, took the eye on occasion with speedy runs and dangerous crosses. These two were the best of a poor Aberdeen quintette.

Moore Slow.

Moore showed smart touches in the opening stages, but he gradually faded out of the picture. His lack of speed was again apparent.
Ritchie Smith, on the left touchline, came into prominence on crosses, but too often he wanted to work the ball nearer the corner flag, with the result that was tackled and never got it across.
Falloon was the best of the half-back s, playing a sound defensive game throughout. He was opposed to a lively and dangerous leader in Connor, whom the Rovers have secured on loan from Airdrie until the end of the season.
Fraser, at right-half, was far below his usual form, but Thomson, on the left, played a strong attacking game.

Backs Do Well

The backs played well. Cooper was not impressive at the start, but he gradually recovered his form, while McGill was strong and rsourceful throughout.
Westland (D.), in goal, was a confident 'keeper but he seemed to be at fault when he clutched the ball to allow the Rovers to draw level.
One thing is certain, and that is, if, as is hoped, the Dons are to make Cup history this season, there must be a big improvement.
Crosskey, in the Albion Rovers' goal, was much busier than Westland but it was rarely that he had anything of a serious nature to deal with. Although a trifle erratic in their kicking, Waddell and Beath were a pair of strong tackling backs.
Liddell worked hard ini his efforts to keep Armstrong in subjection, but Browning was the most effective of the inside trio.

Donnelly's Nose Broken

Donnelly, who collided with Thomson in going to head a ball in the first half, had his nose broken, but after hald an hour's absence he pluckily resumed.
The Albion Rovers' forward line, although less in evidence, was no more impressive than that of Aberdeen. Connor was the most enterprising and dangerous attacker, and the only other to take the eye was Turnbull.
Aberdeen took the lead thirty-seven minutes after the start while Donnelly was off having his injury attended to. Armstrong let Ritchie Smith away on the left, and then dashed forward to head the winger's cross into the net.
Albion Rovers notched the equaliser one minute from the interval. Westland clutched the high ball instead of punching it, and before he could throw it clear Connor had bundled him into the net.

Source: Press & Journal, 18th March 1935