Aberdeen 3 - 1 Celtic

Trounce Celtic 3-1 at Pittodrie.

LANG GETS TWO GOALS.

Hopes that Aberdeen will play a leading part in Scottish football this season were increased after their initial victory over Celtic. It is rather early yet to arrive at any definite conclusion, but their form at Pittodrie on Saturday was certainly encouraging. If they can reveal the same dash and virility at Fir Park on Saturday first, then we will be entitled to hail them as of championship class.

Victory Deserved.

They thoroughly merited their victory over the Parkhead combine, especially in view of the fact that they were without Beynon, who was off with concussion for twenty-five minutes of the second half. The Dons were more solid in defence and better at half-back and in attack than the Celts.
Despite the fact that they had to face a strong wind in the first half, the Dons had the better of the exchanges. It was during this period that the homesters laid the foundation of their victory. The attack moved with understanding and snap, and often had the Celtic defence in trouble. The opening goal came in eighteen minutes. Fraser swung a free kick into the goalmouth; Kennaway came out, but Armstrong beat him to the, ball, pushed it through, and Lang dashed in touch it into the net.

Dandy Goal.

The second goal was dandy, and again Lang was the marksman. Lyon failed to clear a ball, and McKenzie smartly slipped it out to Lang. The winger hit it first time, and it crashed into the roof the net. Fourteen minutes after the restart Armstrong registered the best goal of the match. He raced after a forward pass from Beynon, caught the ball on the bye-line despite the efforts of Lyon to keep him off, and beat Kennaway, who had advanced from his charge, to slip the hall into the net. Slackness on the part of the Dons' defence was responsible for Celts' goal. Shortly before the finish Crum swung a ball across from the left, and McGrory tapped it into the net with his head.

The Newcomers.

Aberdeen have got a good 'un in Lang. The former King's Park winger was one of the outstanding successes of the match. He possesses fine turn speed and crosses a good ball, and that he is not afraid to have a "go' is demonstrated by the fact that he counted twice. He is a trifle lacking in craft, but this will come with experience. McKenzie, the Dons' other newcomer from Hearts, was on the slow side, but was clever on the ball, and knows how to make openings. Armstrong led the line in fine style, and Mills was ever scheming to make openings for others. On this form these two players should prove worthy of the selectors' confidence at Hampden August 21. Beynon did not reveal his best form, and his shooting left something to be desired. The Pittodrie half-back line was superior to that of Celtic. Fraser was quietly effective, and lent his forwards much valuable support. Thomson, too, played well. Falloon was a tower of strength in defence, and had the dangerous McGrory tied up during the greater part the game. McGill was the better of two sound backs, being especially prominent in the early stages. He gave Scotland's new winger, Delaney, few chances to shine. Smith in goal got little to do, but his play inspired confidence.

Celtic's Problems.

Celtic still have their problems to solve, and if they are to make a bid for honours this season there will have to be a big improvement. Kennaway in goal did quite well, and McGonagle was the better of the two backs who got too much to do at times. Geatons was the best of a poor intermediate trio. Lyon, Celts' notable newcomer from Queen's Park, confined himself too much to defence, and was not particularly impressive. The attack played pretty football at times, but lacked the power of the Aberdeen quintette. The Parkhead line, however, suffered from lack of support from behind.
Macdonald showed smart touches, and along with McGrory, who had more or less to plough a lonely furrow, was best in this department.

Source: Press & Journal, 12th August 1935