Aberdeen 1 - 0 Morton

Aberdeen, in the match with Morton, had to be content with the only goal of a hardly-contested game at Pittodrie Park, Love being the scorer. And yet the scoring might have been very much greater but for the clever defence put up by the Greenock team's custodian, Wilson, and the backs, McGuire and Smith. It was when Aberdeen's pressure seemed fiercest that Morton's defence was most brilliant, as when the ball was got safely away after three successive corners, or when the custodian, several times had to jump about, ball in hand, to escape being bundled into the net. As it was, he could scarcely have saved Love's goalscoring effort, being at full length on the ground after having saved brilliantly. Aberdeen players were held to a goalless first half, and more than half of the second period had gone before the 10,000 spectators could give vent to their delight at the only scoring of the match. Love was an outstanding Aberdeen forward. McLean also played well on the left wing, but his partner Galloway spoiled more than one excellent opportunity of scoring by over-eagerness. Black was most prominent in the half-back line. Morton were occasionally the aggressors, chiefly through Shankley and McCartney, but the finishing of the centre, Black, and the inside men, Lyle and Graham, left something to be desired.

Source: The Scotsman, 2nd November 1931

DONS LEAVE IT LATE.

Love's Goal Beats Morton.

Aberdeen got a fright from Greenock Morton, whom they beat at Pittodrie by the only goal. Considering their lowly position on the League ladder, the visitors gave a surprisingly good display. They were exceptionally strong in defence, and they exploited a speedy attack, which, however, was not adept at accepting chances.

All-Important Goal.

The all-important goal did not come along until fourteen minutes from the end and was the outcome of a desperate effort by the home forwards. Galloway fired in a shot which Wilson stopped, but, charged by Yorston, the 'keeper threw the ball out, and Love, rushing in, met it first-time to crash it into the net.
Morton fought with great determination, and, although Aberdeen had the better of the exchanges territorially, the visitors actually had more scoring chances.

Busy Goalkeepers.

Both goalkeepers were early called upon. Yorston was grassed just outside the penalty area, and Black's fierce shot was tipped over the bar by Wilson. The 'keeper subsequently saved from Love and Yorston, but twice Smith had to deal with dangerous balls from Shankley. Wilson at full length effected a fine save from McLean. At the other end, McCartney skied when Smith was out of his goal. Later the Aberdeen 'keeper stopped a good shot by Shankley, who was always dangerous on the visitors' right. A great shot by Galloway was deflected by McGuire, and later McLean met a rebound off a shot by himself to send inches high. Towards the interval, Aberdeen exerted strong pressure, but the Greenock defence offered no loopholes.

Persistent Morton.

Graham might have given Morton the lead early in the second half, but he sent wide when well placed, and later Smith had to fist away from McCartney. At this stage Aberdeen were lacking in confidence, and Smith's goal had a narrow escape from a shot bt Shankley.
An injury to McDermid handicapped Aberdeen, and after being off for treatment he resumed, and went to outside right. Graham just missed the home goal with a great shot, and Black and Lyle failed at comparatively easy chances.

Penalty Claim.

Ultimately Aberdeen rallied, and their forwards came into prominence. There was a claim for a penalty when McLean appeared to be brought down, but the referee, after consulting both linesmen, decided there had been no infringement.
A robust element came into the play, and fouls were fairly frequent. Aberdeen kept up persistent pressure, and numerous shots were blocked or charged down in front of Wilson.
When Love scored the reward was overdue. In the later stages play favoured Aberdeen, and Wilson distinguished himself with fine save from Yorston.

Deserving Winners.

Aberdeen deserved to win, but gave anything but a convincing display, and had the Morton forwards taken their chances Pittodrie's unbeaten record would probably have gone.
Smith was sound in goal, as was Cooper at right back, but McGill was never comfortable. Black was easily the best of the half-backs, and forward McLean, Yorston, and Love were most effective.
Morton had a stout and stubborn defence. Wilson brought off many excellent saves, and was splendidly supported by McGuire and Smith. The strong man in the visitors' defence, however, was Bullock, who played superbly at centre half. Shankley at outside right was the best forward on the field. His colleagues were fast and nippy, but the line lacked an opportunist. There were 10,000 spectators.

Source: Press & Journal, 2nd November 1931