Aberdeen 2 - 0 Partick Thistle

One of the hardest tussles seen at Aberdeen for many a day, with no scoring until well on in the second half, resulted in Aberdeen defeating Partick Thistle by two goals. The scorers were Hill, with a drive from a free kick close to the penalty line, and Love, within a minute of the call of time. The home team fully deserved their victory. They were the cleverer side, and might have had a larger number of goals to their credit if they had had a more experienced centre-forward than Jackson. Hill, the Aberdeen left half-back, did splendidly for his side, and was frequently cheered by the crowd of about 12,000, and Fraser, who took Black's position at right half, also showed to advantage. Jackson, the Partick Thistle goalkeeper, saved a number of very likely shots, especially from Yorston, Love, and McDermid. Morrison, their centre-forward, was frequently dangerous, and caused Smith, Cooper, and Legge a good deal of anxiety. The three defenders mentioned had also to look well after Partick Thistle's wingers, Ness and Torbet, who were persistent workers.

Source: Scotsman, 3rd October 1931

Aberdeen thoroughly deserved their 2.-0 victory over Partick Thistle at Pittodrie. It was a hard and fast struggle, which pleased 14,000 spectators, and was always interesting.

End to end raids were the order in a goalless first half, in which Aberdeen had a slight pull, but could not turn it to advantage in goals. Both citadels had their narrow escapes, but had the forwards indulged in more shooting the score sheet need not have been blank.
Aberdeen's superiority in the second half was more marked, and the second goal obtained just before the end made the score more in accordance with the balance of play.

Strong Defence.

The home defence came out of the game with credit, and if the home goal was lucky on at least one occasion to escape downfall, this was more than counter-balanced by the major share of good fortune that attended the visitors.
Smith was very reliable in the home goal, and Cooper ranked the best back on the field. Legge, however, made quite a good partner. The half-back line was particularly strong, all three being on a par. Fraser, who took Black s place on the right, was a big success, his tackling being strong and he placed accurately.

McDermid Shines.

Forward the honours went to McDermid and Yorston. The first-named had many brilliant runs and centres, and Yorston excelled in individual efforts and as a maker of opportunities. Galloway showed grand trickery, but was scarcely assertive enough in front of goal. On the right wing Love was frequently dangerous, but has played better.
Jackson was not a success in the centre. He did not lack in dash and bustle, but his inability to execute quick turns and get the ball smartly under control showed him to be out of position.
After a bright display in the first half, Thistle fell away in the second period, during the greater part of which they were kept on the defensive. They were finely served by Jackson in goal, and Calderwood and Rae at back. In a half line that fell below the standard of Aberdeen's, Boardman came out best.
The forward line was not well led, Morrison being weak in the centre, and two smart wingers in Ness and Torbet lacked support from McGourty and Ballantyne.
In such a keen struggle it was not surprising that several players on both sides came by mishaps, but, fortunately, none of these were of a serious nature.
The first goal came after 25 minutes of the second half, when Hill took a free kick from just outside the penalty area and netted with a fierce grounder, the Thistle goalkeeper evidently unsighted. Jut previous to this, the home goal had a wonderful escape. Morrison got clean through and actually shot past Smith who had run out in an effort to stave off disaster, but the ball struck Cooper on the shoulder and was deflected over the empty goal.

How Goals Came.

After having obtained the lead, Aberdeen were rampant. The Thistle goal ran narrow escapes, the woodwork intervening on one occasion, and the reward was overdue when a second goal came. Jackson worked out to the left and centred accurately for Love to head past the Thistle 'keeper.

Source: Press & Journal, 5th October 1931