Third Lanark 2 - 0 Aberdeen

Aberdeen should have gained a lead in the first half at Cathkin Park, when they missed many opportunities. Third Lanark scarcely struck form in the first forty-five minutes, but they rallied in the second half. The Aberdeen defenders, however, played stoutly, and it was twenty minutes from the close before Blair scored the first sound goal. Two minutes later Dewar secured a second very cleverly with an overhead kick after he had knocked the ball out of Smith?s hands. The centre forward was the outstanding player on his side. Warden was another who gave consistent service.
Aberdeen have not yet discovered a properly balanced side. Smith had not the requisite protection, the half-back line was short of their best standard, and the forward problem was not yet solved. Galloway is an acquisition, but not one of the other four were distinguished, and McDermid seemed uncomfortable as an outside winger.

Source: Scotsman, 28th September 1931

Aberdeen sustained their third defeat of the season, Third Lanark beating then at Cathkin Park by 2 goals to 0. It was a keen and equal struggle in a goal-less first half, in which each end was raided in turn. Aberdeen on the whole, were more dangerous in attack, but really neither goalkeeper was bothered with scoring-like shots.
In the second half Third Lanark were the better team, and had they been able to finish better might have had the issue clinched early.

Two Soft Goals.

It was twenty-seven minutes after the interval before the first goal came along. McKenzie dribbled past Cooper to give Blair an ideal pass, and that player gave Smith no chance with a fast grounder.
Shortly afterwards Third Lanark got a second goal. Smith out of his goal, was in the act of clearing when the ball was knocked out of his hands to Dewar, who sent into an untenanted goal.
Subsequently Aberdeen were kept on the defensive, and it was all they could do to prevent Third Lanark from going further ahead. There were occasional rallies by the Pittodrie forwards, but these did not develop danger.

Yorston's Miss.,/p> On one occasion Yorston was given a splendid chance, but he failed to get his kick in properly, and it was only a rolling ball Waugh had to hold.
Third Lanark deserved their win, although the goals they got were of the soft order, and were gifts.
Smith took many risks in the Aberdeen goal, and although he had a number of good saves he was at fault when the second count was registered. Cooper was often easily beaten, and Legge was the better back. Black was outstanding at half-back.

Disappointing Forwards.

The forwards were disappointing, and there was a general lack of penetration and combination. Towards the finish Galloway and Love were creating a flutter, but previous to that the line was disappointing and below form.
Third Lanark worked well as a team, although by no means brilliant. They were splendidly served by Simpson and Warden at back and Moreland and McLellan in the half-line. The pick of a speedy forward line were Blair, Dewar, and McKenzie. There were 9000 spectators.

Source: Press & Journal, 28th September 1931