Hamilton 4 - 1 Aberdeen

Aberdeen flattered to deceive at Douglas Park, Hamilton, where 3000 saw the Dons beaten by 4 goals to 1.

They made a promising start and opened the scoring, but once the Academicals had drawn level the exchanges always favoured the home team.
The winners deserved their success, as after the opening minutes they were the better balanced side, and their forwards and half-backs combined much better.
The Pittodrie forwards were overweighted, and the absence of McDermid through injury was badly felt.

McLean's Early Goal.

The game was only two minutes old when Aberdeen took the lead. Yorston manoeuvred cleverly, and from Galloway's pass McLean took deliberate aim to shoot a fine goal. Aberdeen combined well for a time, but were beaten back, and Accies drew level after eight minutes' play. King tried a shot, and the ball was deflected by Cooper against the crossbar, from which it rebounded into the net. Subsequently the Aberdeen defence was hard pressed, and Smith distinguished himself with several smart saves. On one occasion he saved magnificently at full length from Wilson. A free-kick taken by McLean was fisted clear by Wright.

Two For Moffat.

With half an hour played Academicals went ahead. King had a shot returned by Cooper, and Moffat fastening on gave Smith no chance.
Another goal for the Accies followed immediately, Moffat netting with an unsaveable shot.
This third reverse had a disconcerting effect on Aberdeen, and for a time Smith was kept busy. They rallied, however, and netted, but the goal was chalked off for off-side. Academicals deserved to be ahead at half-time.

Academicals on Top.

The Academicals early took a grip in the in second half, and they never relaxed it. Time and again their forwards swooped down on the Aberdeen defence, and with a little steadiness in front they would have got more goals. Herd sent against the crossbar, and Smith was often in action to balls from the wings. Accies kept up persistent pressure, and were rewarded with a brilliant goal when Bulloch sent in a lightning drive from forty yards range.
An injury to Love handicapped Aberdeen, who struggled on pluckily, but they were fighting forlorn hope.

Outstanding Players.

Smith kept goal admirably and kept down the score. Cooper was a reliable back, and Black and McLaren defended well, but the forwards, who were too light as a line, never really settled to their game. Yorston and McLean were best, but a schemer was lacking.
Accies were a strong all-round combine. They were splendidly served by Allan and Bulloch at back, and McLuckie was a brilliant half-back, in fact, was the best player on the field. Forward, the honours went to Moffat, Herd, and McLaren.

Source: Press & Journal, 9th November 1931