Aberdeen 3 - 1 Hibernian

Clever Outfield Work Goes to Waste.

Aberdeen, experienced little difficulty in retaining their unbeaten certificate at Pittodrie on Saturday.
The Dons held a decided advantage territorially, and had their finishing been of the same standard as their leading-up work the margin in their favour would have been much greater.
Too many chances were missed. Hopes are high that this season either the Cup or the League flag will come to Pittodrie. If this to be accomplished the attackers must instil more punch into their play.

Practice Can Do It.

Clever and cohesive in the outfield, the Aberdeen attack too often faded out in the Hibs' area. If this department of their game can be improved - and with practice there appears no reason why it should not - then the Dons may yet prove serious contenders for championship honours.
On Saturday's showing Hibs are a mediocre side. The defence gave a plucky display, but the attack did not blend, and the home rear-guard rarely experienced difficulty in holding the Easter Road forwards in check.
The game was played in sultry weather, and the heat seemed to affect the players of both sides. At any rate, there were few thrills, and long spells of featureless play.

Aberdeen Take Lead.

Aberdeen took the lead in twenty-four minutes the result of some neat work by the attack. Mills let Beynon away, and the winger gave to Mackenzie.
The former Hearts man cleverly drew Urquhart and Hill, and tapped the ball across the goalmouth for Armstrong to guide into the net.
Previous to this neither 'keeper had been seriously tested. Slackness in attack lost Aberdeen several opportunities, and near the interval the Dons were in danger of losing their lead.
Fourteen minutes of the second half had gone when Armstrong notched the second goal. From a throw-in by Fraser, McKenzie flicked the ball into the centre with his head, and Armstrong leapt forward to nod it into the net.

Disputed Point.

Hibs secured their goal fifteen minutes later, and it was hotly disputed by the Aberdeen players.
Falloon attempted to stall off Brady while the ball appeared to go over the bye-line, but the inside man managed to hook it into the centre for Smith to dive low and head into the net.
The Aberdeen players appealed that the ball was over the line, but the referee, after consulting one of his linesmen, allowed the goal to stand. Towards the close the home attack became lively, and Mills netted a third goal. A shot by Armstrong struck the inside-left, who managed to scrape the ball goalwards, and Hill, despite a desperate dive, could not prevent it rolling over the line.

Defence Solid.

In Smith, Cooper and McGill, Aberdeen possessed a solid and reliable rear trio. The 'keeper had easy time, thanks to the smart covering up of his backs. Falloon, although less spectacular than usual, was a sound defensive pivot.
The play of the wing halves was not up to standard. Both Fraser and Thomson were too seldom seen in an attacking capacity, although they worked hard in defence.
The pick of the forwards was Armstrong. His smart distribution and boundless energy often had the Hibs defence in hot water. He is improving with every game.
Lang, on the extreme left had a fine turn of speed and beat his man smartly at times, but was too impetuous with his shooting. Twice in the first half had he steadied himself instead of blazing first-time he would probably have scored.

Mills Not At His Best.

Mills got away some nice passes, but fell short of his best form, while McKenzie, although clever at making openings, did not shoot often enough.
Beynon, on the right, was fast and dangerous.
The Hibs defence came out the game with credit. Wilkinson and Urquhart fought hard to stem the tide, and received able assistance from Watson. Wilson was the better wing half, and in an attack which was rarely dangerous Black and Smith took the honours.
Logan, on the right, did well considering he joined the Edinburgh club from Ayrshire as right half, and was making his debut in the first eleven.

Source: Press & Journal, 26th August 1935