Aberdeen 5 - 3 Falkirk

Aberdeen were seen to most advantage at the start, but, thanks to a penalty kick taken by Morrison, Falkirk were the first to score. A second penalty kick, this time for Aberdeen, was converted by Love. Later Smith and Yorston increased the home score. In the second half Smith scored again Gall claimed one for Falkirk, and after McDermid had added a fifth for Aberdeen Hutchison got one for the visitors. Estimated attendance 12,000.

Source: Glasgow Herald, 17th December 1928

Aberdeen returned to winning form by defeating Falkirk at Pittodrie by 5 goals to 3. Twelve thousand spectators watched what was always an interesting struggle, in which Aberdeen generally were superior, and were easily worthy of their win. Aberdeen were still without Merrie and McHale, but Falkirk were at full strength.
It was a drab contest for the first twenty minutes, during which Aberdeen were the more frequent attackers, although the Falkirk forwards had several excursions which had the home goal in danger. It was not until the end of that time, however, that the spectators got much to thrill them. A disputed penalty award to Falkirk, which led to the visitors taking the lead, altered the course of the game. Aberdeen came away in determined fashion, and after they also had been awarded a penalty and scored, goals came in quick succession. They led at the interval by 3-1, and shortly afterwards obtained a fourth. Following that and an injury to McLaren, they experienced a lapse, and Falkirk counted, but before the end a fifth goal for Aberdeen put the issue beyond doubt, although a third fell to Falkirk. Aberdeen finished with ten men, McDermid sustaining a shoulder injury and having to carried off but he recovered in the pavilion.

Players Who Excelled.

Aberdeen were brilliantly served at back by Livingstone, who was the best defender on the field, and McLaren and Hill rendered splendid service at half-back. Aberdeen, too, had a much nippier attack, Yorston and Smith especially being prominent, but the others also distinguished themselves.
Ferguson in the Falkirk coal was not blameless for the loss of at least two of the goals. Scott was the better of the two backs, who did not harmonise as well as the home pair. At half-back, Hutcheson was best, and among the forwards Morrison, Bell, and Gall, were most prominent.

How the Game Went.

Aberdeen forced the play at the start, but resolute tackling by Scott and Horne prevented the forwards from getting in a decisive shot. In a break-away by the visitors Gall shot against the side net, and following a free kick, McDermid and Yorston were both stopped when about to shoot. The first good try for goal was from Smith, whose long range effort was knocked down and cleared by Ferguson, and later Cheyne skied when well-placed. The Falkirk wingers occasionally got away, and following one of these raids Hutcheson shot over. Five corners fell to Aberdeen and from the second of those Love shot over.
The first thrill came when Russell got through to shoot hard, and with Yuill out of his goal, Livingstone headed the ball clear from below the bar. The referee immediately awarded a penalty and although Aberdeen made a strong protest, the official adhered to his decision and Morrison scored from the spot kick. It transpired later that the referee was of the opinion that Livingstone had handled the ball before clearing. The decision did not satisfy a section of the crowd and for some time Mr Hutton was subjected to a hostile demonstration.

Fast Scoring.

The reverse spurred Aberdeen to greater effort, and in the midst of a hot attack McDermid was held to have been brought down by a Falkirk defender in the penalty area. The penalty kick which followed met with more unanimous approval, and Love, who took the kick, gave Ferguson no chance. A second goal followed quickly for Aberdeen. Yorston had a shot which Ferguson, at full length, could only push out, and Smith, catching on, crashed the ball into the net. Play continued to greatly favour Aberdeen, and Yorston netted again, but an infringement for "hands" nullified the score. Further success was not long delayed however, for after Cheyne had worked through, Yorston accepted a pass to place the ball beautifully into the net. Aberdeen looked like going further ahead, but the Falkirk defence prevailed, although Ferguson was frequently in action.

A Bad Miss.

Gall should have scored for Falkirk shortly after the start of the second half, but after he met a ball which Yuill had dropped, missed the goal. For a time Aberdeen were hemmed in on defence, but Yuill had nothing serious to deal with, although having to clear from Gall and Hutchison. When Aberdeen did ultimately get back to attack, McDermid shot high, and Yorston sustained a nose injury, from which, however, he quickly recovered.
After twenty-one minutes' play Aberdeen got a fourth goal. Smith sent forward ball which Ferguson appeared to misjudge, and it bounced in front of him and found the net over his outstretched form. Subsequently Aberdeen were active in attack, and Ferguson had many anxious moments. Latterly the visitors again showed improvement, and from a free kick by Hutchison, Gall headed past Yuill. The ball had only been centred when, following a run with Cheyne, McDermid scooped in fifth goal for Aberdeen.

Players Injured.

It was following this that McLaren was injured, seriously was thought first, and a stretcher was rushed to him, but this was not required and he resumed at outside left. McDermid going to centre-half. Those changes disorganised Aberdeen somewhat, and it was no surprise when Bell, with a lightning shot, scored a third goal for Falkirk. In the closing stages, the original Aberdeen players were reverted to, and just on the eve of the final whistle, McDermid was injured and had to be taken off. The game ended with Falkirk attacking, after Yuill had saved from Cox and Morrison.

Source: Press & Journal, 17th December 1928