Aberdeen 1 - 1 Cowdenbeath

About 15,000 spectators were present at Pittodrie, Aberdeen, for the game between Aberdeen and Cowdenbeath and they saw a most interesting and entertaining match that ended in a draw of one goal each. Aberdeen had the better of the play, and for that reason, perhaps, deserved to win, but Cowdenbeath's defence was so good that the visitors could not be grudged a division of the points. The ground was very hard, and, in spite of a liberal coating of sand, the players frequently had difficulty in keeping their footing, but the play was wonderfully good in the circumstances and full of interest for the spectators. Both goals were scored in the first half. Aberdeen counting in 30 minutes in "soft" fashion when a shot by McLean that was going straight into the Cowdenbeath goalkeeper's hands was accidentally deflected by Frame into the corner of the net. Cowdenbeath's goal was scored by Paterson five minutes before half-time, and was a particularly good one, the left wingers beating the home defence by clever combination, and giving Paterson a chance that was promptly utilised. Until the final twenty minutes play had been fairly level, but in the closing stages Aberdeen forced the game, and it was then that the Cowdenbeath defence was seen at its best. Kyle was splendid in goal, the backs, Johnstone and Russell, kicked with great power and unfailing accuracy, and the half-backs, Glancey, Frame and Menzies, were untiring in their efforts to frustrate the home forwards. The Cowdenbeath right-winger Hamil, seemed unsuited by the hard ground, and played poorly on the whole, but the rest of the forward line was dashing and clever. Black and Paterson shot well, and Higgins was an enterprising left-winger. Venters again showed promising from at inside-left. Aberdeen were a sound and methodical side, who were unfortunate in finding the Cowdenbeath defence in an inspired mood.

Source, The Scotsman, 5th January 1931

Although Aberdeen made most the running they had to be content to share the points with Cowdenbeath at Pittodrie, each side scoring once. The ground was still frost-bound, and it was surprising the players took the risks they did, the principals going into the game with a robustness and whole-heartedness that at times made the fifteen thousand crowd gasp.

Lucky Deflection.

The game was nearly half an hour old before Aberdeen opened the scoring, and it was unusual goal. McLean found himself in possession about 20 yards out, and fired in a strong shot, which Kyle might have saved, but the ball struck Yorston on the shoulder, and was deflected out of the keeper's reach.
It was rather against the run of play that Cowdenbeath equalised five minutes from the interval, but their raids were always dangerous, and their success was not unexpected.
Higgins made ground on the left, and his pass went to Paterson, who netted easily after Smith had been drawn out.
The visitors came near to increasing their lead immediately afterwards, when Paterson got past the Aberdeen backs, but he shot against Smith, who ran out to intercept.

Attack and Defence.

In the period the Cowdenbeath goal had many narrow escapes, all the home forwards and halfbacks having tries. Shots that were straight were skilfully dealt with by Kyle, who received wonderful support from Frame and the backs.
The second half was largely a duel between the Aberdeen attack and the Fife defence, the latter giving a magnificent display. There was a tendency to over-robustness at times, but while there were several stoppages for minor mishaps, none of the players was seriously injured.
The home attacks launched onslaught after onslaught on the visitors' goal, but try as they might could not locate the net. Shots from all ranges and angles were repeatedly blocked or charged down, and Kyle in goal continued to give great display. At the same time over-eagerness spoilt several chances for Aberdeen, and with the footing uncertain, there were many breakdowns of promising movements.

Dangerous Thrusts.

Several dangerous thrusts by the visitors' forwards kept the home defence occupied, and Venters might have given Cowdenbeath the lead when he missed the goal after having got past the backs.
The game had a rousing finish, both goals being in danger, but the most exciting passages were in the vicinity of Kyle, who more than once came near to being bundled through his goal.

Honours to Defence.

Although dropping a point Aberdeen played really well. Smith was sound in goal, and Cooper and Jackson defended splendidly. McLaren was not so prominent as usual, but the wing half-backs, Black and Hill, were nigh at their best.
Of the forwards, McLean and McDermid were most effective, Yorston, although nippy and clever as ever, failing to make much impression on Frame.
The honours of the game went to the visitors' defence, in which Kyle, Johnstone, Russell, and Frame were brilliant. The keeper showed great anticipation and confidence, and the backs gave a wonderful display of resolute kicking, while Frame, who was everywhere, excelled in breaking up and covering up.
Glaney was the better of the wing middlemen, and in a sprightly attack that made ground fast, Venters and Paterson were most prominent.

Source: Press & Journal, 5th January 1931