Dunfermline Athletic 2 - 2 Aberdeen

And Lucky to Get It at Dunfermline

DESPERATE BID BY HOME TEAM

Strauss saved Aberdeen from defeat at East End Park on Saturday. Only three minutes remained for play when the South African raced through from an Armstrong slip and crashed the ball into the corner of the net with terrific force.

That goal was a big disappointment to Dunfermline, who appeared to have two precious points within their grasp. But it might have been worse, for one minute from the end Armstrong was clean through, and with the goal at his mercy, shot straight at the 'keeper from close range.
Aberdeen did not deserve to win on the run of play. They failed to reveal their best form on a heavy and treacherous ground, and found difficulty in controlling the ball.

Dunfermline's Plucky Display

Considering that they were handicapped by an injury to Bourhill, who played on the right wing during the second half, necessitating several team changes, Dunfermline deserve every credit for a very plucky display.
With the advantage of the wind the Fifers held a decided territorial advantage in the first period, and although their attacks were lacking in cohesion the forwards showed plenty of dash and wholehearted effort.
Aberdeen's spasmodic raids were always dangerous, and early in the game Strauss might have counted when he went through from a Mills pass and sent against the onrushing 'keeper.
Severe home pressure was rewarded nine minutes from the interval when Bolt scored with a high shot. Smith got his hands to the ball, but, charged by McGrogan, he failed to hold it, and it dropped over the line.
An appeal by the 'keeper that he had been fouled by McGrogan was turned down by the referee.
After the interval Bourhill was at outside right, Morris inside, Reid right half and Bolt right back. The Dons got a fright when Dunfermline increased their lead in their first breakaway. Following a corner the ball came out to Chalmers who lobbed it into the net.

Fifers' Defence Holds Out

Aberdeen immediately replied, and when Bolt failed to clear a try by Strauss, McKenzie was in position to send into the net. The Dons were on top now, but try as they would they could not break down a courageous Dunfermline defence.
In a home breakaway there was a strong appeal for a penalty when McGowan fell in a tackle with Cooper, but the referee ignored it.
Towards the close the Dons battled desperately to save the game, and Strauss came to their rescue three minutes from the end.

Falloon a Sterling Pivot

Aberdeen's defence stood up well to the repeated assaults of the Dunfermline attack in the first half. Chief honours go to Falloon, who gave a sterling display throughout and was brilliant at times in the first half.
Smith, in goal, had a number of smart saves, but was out of position when Dunfermline secured their second counter. Cooper was a reliable and strong kicking back, and Urquhart, who deputised for McGill. although his kicking was a trifle wild, was a wholehearted defender.
Fraser was seen at his best in the second half when he urged on the attack in fine style. Dunlop, at left-half, was a hard worker, although he did not touch his best form. The Dons attack was much more polished than that of Dunfermline, but their work at close quarters was not up to standard.
It is not easy to forgive Armstrong for failing to accept that grand opportunity in the closing stages. The centre did not reveal his real capabilities and was seldom dangerous. Mills and Strauss were a smart left wing pair, and it was the inside-left who made that last minute opening for Armstrong.
Dunfermline put up a plucky fight and will no doubt consider themselves unfortunate to have victory snatched from their grasp in such dramatic fashion. Their defence gave a magnificent display in the second half, when the side was badly handicapped.
Farquharson was a safe 'keeper, while Warden played strongly throughout. Bolt gave a fine display at right-half in the first period, while Syme was prominent all through. The attack was disjointed, but was keen and virile.

Source: Press & Journal, 4th January 1937