Aberdeen 1 - 2 Partick Thistle

UNCONVINCING DISPLAY AT PITTODRIE

An unconvincing display in their first game in the new Reserve League cost Aberdeen reserves the points at Pittodrie. The game was lifeless in the first half, but after the interval the Partick side gave bright display and kept the home defence on tenterhooks.
There were few incidents of note in the early stages, the respective defences keeping a firm grip of the opposing forwards. Grant for Aberdeen and Ewing for Partick were strong centre-halves, and it was seldom that the 'keepers were troubled. Of the two Henderson was perhaps the busier.

BRIGHT FIRHILL ATTACK,/p> In the second half the play brightened up a bit, and three goals were scored. Right from the restart the Firhill forwards were a menace, with Alston and Newall giving most trouble. The first goal was tale of misfortune for Grant, the Dons' new centre half from Hearts. He had been the mainstay of his side and had the bad luck to put through his own goal when attempting to clear.
The homesters should have equalised in three minutes when Scott missed a penalty, and a few minutes later Newall put on a second goal for the visitors.
A home revival followed and Scott collected a long pass from M Kenzie and ran on to beat Henderson. Spirited pressure failed to bring further reward, and the visitors won worthily.

GRANT A STAR

For the homesters, Kelly was good in goal in the second half, but he did not inspire confidence early on, while Graham and Donald found difficulty in holding the wingers. Despite his lapse Grant was the star half back, and Waddell a youngster left half, needs time to develop There was no "nip" in the attack, and not one of the five could be said to have done well.
Partick were 'well served by Henderson, Girdwood, Ewing, Murray, Alston and Newall.

Source: Press & Journal, 15th August 1938