Aberdeen 2 - 2 Airdrie

Aberdeen and Airdrie had a hard fight at Pittodrie Park for their draw of two goals each. The scorers were McLean and Love for Aberdeen and Armstrong and McDonald for Airdrie. There was nothing to choose between the two teams at the interval, as they crossed over with one goal each. It was fairly early in the second half when Love, accepting a fine pass from McLean, secured the leading goal, which was tenaciously held till eight minutes from the close of the match, when McDonald, Airdrie's inside-right, obtained the equaliser. His rush to kick the ball before the Aberdeen custodian could gather it from the ground was a piece of play worthy of securing that equaliser. Airdrie's steadfastness in defence when the odds were against them was especially praiseworthy, Crapnell and McQueen at back being reliable, and the half-back players co-operating well. Armstrong, Bertram, and McDonald were outstanding among the forwards. For Aberdeen, Love and McLean on the left wing were an outstanding pair, and J. Paterson, the Airdrie custodian, had to exercise smartness in keeping out likely shots from the wing. Armstrong at centre-forward was very active, but was well held. Eleven thousand spectators witnessed the keenly-contested tussle, and a draw was a fair result.

Source: The Scotsman, 28th December 1931

Aberdeen's unbeaten home record for 1931-32 is still standing, but not for the first time there is a certain amount of luck that it holds, as a result of Airdrieonians' visit on Saturday.
There were about 11,000 spectators.
There was a surprise at the start when Airdrie took the field with ten men. It transpired that W. Paterson had lost his connection, but was following with a later train. Six minutes of the game had gone, during which J. Paterson, the right winger, had occupied the goal with distinction, when the regular goalkeeper, straight from a taxi, arrived on the field.
With eleven minutes gone Airdrie took the lead. Law, beating Cooper, ran on give Smith no chance with a low shot.
Subsequently Aberdeen retaliated strongly, McLean repeatedly making openings for colleagues which were not accepted.

Aberdeen Draw Level.

The game was twenty-five minutes old when Aberdeen drew level. In the interval Airdrie had gone near to increasing their lead, Law finding the crossbar, after clever play by Preston and Bertram.
It was a well-placed free kick by Falloon that enabled Aberdeen to call all square. The little centre-half planted the ball well forward, and Paterson charged by McLean dropped it. The Aberdeen forward, however, was persistent, and catching the ball on the bounce very cleverly hooked it into an untenanted goal.
The second half was only a minute old when Aberdeen went ahead. On this occasion Warnock crossed a lovely ball, and Love taking it first time sent into the roof the net. The ball rebounded into play, but referee Bell had never any doubt about the legitimacy his award.
For some time Aberdeen maintained strong pressure, and McLean's leading up work should have got them more goals.
As it was, Aberdeen were not stretched to keep their lead, although they were not without their worries in front of Smith.

Airdrie's Late Equaliser.

There were eight minutes left for play when against the run of the game, Airdrieonians, who fought pluckily throughout, drew level.
The ball came from the right, and McDonald waiting his chance, easily scored with Smith out of his charge.
Aberdeen were shaky in defence for but later Cooper, McGill and Falloon touched fine form. Best in attack were McLean, Love and Warnock.
For the visitors Crapnell and McQueen were at their best, and had to be. Preston came out top amongst the halves, and of the forwards Law, Bertram, and Armstrong were easily best.

Source: Press & Journal, 28th December 1931