Third Lanark 1 - 3 Aberdeen

Third Lanark were the first to make progress, and after half-an-hour's play Hamill headed the opening goal for them. Their lead lasted only two minutes, when Cheyne beat Stevenson. Just on the interval Hamill was carried off injured. In the second half Third Lanark played strongly, but Aberdeen took the lead through Merrie, and strenuous play followed, the home side striving to get on terms and Aberdeen to increase their lead. Ultimately Love beat Stevenson. Estimated attendance, 8000.

Source: Glasgow Herald, 22nd October 1928

Aberdeen accomplished their best performance of the season on Saturday when they defeated Third Lanark at Cathkin Park, Glasgow, by 3 goals to 1. The victory was the more creditable because the team had to take the field without such a stalwart as McHale, who had influenza. His place was taken by McLaren, who proved a capable deputy. The game attracted 7000 spectators.

Worthy Winners.

Aberdeen were worthy winners, and in the second half especially were much superior to the losers. Third Lanark opened the scoring, but Aberdeen were only minutes in arrears, and after the interval their nippy attack had the Third Lanark defence continually on the stretch.
There was not really a weak spot in the team, and the bright particular stars were Jackson, Livingstone, McLeod, McDermid, and Love. Best for Third Lanark were Stevenson, Brown, Clark, Lennon, and Hamill.

Story of Play.

Aberdeen attacked at the opening, and Brown cleared in the nick of time when Merrie went to meet a centre by Love. Third Lanark retaliated, and Hamill had a great shot brilliantly stopped by Yuill. The home team kept up pressure for a time, and Halliday was wide with a fierce shot. Love and Smith both raided for Aberdeen, who were quick to make ground, but the wingers' centres were cleared by defenders. Forcing play by the Third Lanark forwards was negatived by faulty shooting, Thomson and Hamill both sending against the outside of the net. Following a run and centre by Smith, Cheyne shot over, and a header by McDermid had Stevenson beaten, but the ball went high. Yuill fisted clear from a flag kick, and from a centre by Love McDermid skied. Love repeating the fault shortly afterwards. Two successive corners fell to Third Lanark, and there was a thrill when Wilson wriggled through for Yuill to save his splendid shot. Following a free kick, a header by Wilson was tipped over the bar by Yuill.

A Goal and a Reply.

After half an hour's play Third Lanark took the lead. Lennon dashed away to centre, and Hamill met the ball to back-head into the net. Aberdeen drew level immediately. Love carried the ball along, and after a shot by McDermid had been deflected by a defender Cheyne dashed in and netted.
For a time end to end play ruled, and both defences were kept busy. Cheyne had a chance, but shot high, and the Aberdeen goal had a narrow escape when Wilson broke through on the right, but there was no colleague to meet his pass, and later Hamill sent wide. Near the interval Hamill was injured and had be carried off. The score at half-time was one goal each.

Aberdeen on Top.

Hamill resumed in the second half but moved to outside left. He was early in evidence with a shot that was off the mark, and McLeod, too, was at fault in his direction when he tried from long range. A great shot by Cheyne was knocked down and cleared at the second attempt by Stevenson. McLeod dribbled through to shoot wide, and a centre by Love was finely cleared by Stevenson.
Twelve minutes after the resumption Aberdeen took the lead. Love crossed, and Merrie dashing in, took the ball in his stride and netted. Aberdeen continued to have the better of the exchanges, and Cheyne just missed with a header. Raids by the Third Lanark forwards were negatived by Yuill fisting clear. Love had a splendid shot saved by Stevenson and several efforts by Aberdeen forwards were blocked or charged down by home defenders.

Pretty Combination.

Aberdeen afterwards showed pretty combination, the accuracy of their passing being treat to watch. After a brilliant triangular movement taken part in by McDermid, Smith, and Love, the last named ran in to meet the winger's cross and put on a third goal for Aberdeen.
Third Lanark rallied for a time after this, and Yuill had time to clear. Wilson netted on one occasion but the whistle had previously sounded for an infringement. Play later, again favoured Aberdeen, and Smith, Cheyne, and all had shots. In the closing minutes, Third Lanark made desperate onslaughts, but the Aberdeen defence had the situation well in hand.

Source: Press & Journal, 22nd October 1928