Aberdeen 1 - 3 East Stirlingshire

A great rally be East Stirlingshire in the closing stages of the game at Pittodrie Park, Aberdeen, enabled them to score their first victory of the season at the expense of Aberdeen. Although the result flattered the visitors, they displayed a "never-say-die" spirit which could not admit of defeat. Their success was due to a splendid defence combined with the opportunism of Craigie at centre forward.
Twenty minutes from the end Aberdeen looked like increasing the lead which Moore had given them early in the game. At this point Watson, the East Stirlingshire goalkeeper, saved a penalty kick taken by Beattie, and it marked the turning point of the game. The visitors broke away and Craigie equalised. The Dons returned to the attack, but Craigie picked up a clearance, went through on his own to give his side the lead. In the last minute of the game Fraser got the visitors' third goal with a penalty kick.
Aberdeen failed to reproduce their midweek form. They pressed for the greater part of the second half, but the lack of punch of the inside forwards was marked. They were best served by McGill, Mooney, and Moore. In an East Stirlingshire team which gave a wholehearted display Watson, Fraser, Achencoles, Crichton, and Craigie were best.

Source: Glasgow Herald, 19th September 1932

FALLOON MISSED IN DEFENCE.

Aberdeen flattered to deceive against East Stirling at Pittodrie. Until seventeen minutes from the end they did the bulk of the pressing, and looked like running out winners by the only goal of the game, but in the closing stages the Bainsford side came away with a great fighting finish and were two goals ahead of the Dons when the final whistle went.
The visitors were undoubtedly lucky to gain the points, and certainly could not have grumbled had they had to divide the spoils. They took their chances, however, and this was more than Aberdeen could do.
All over the Dons gave a disappointing display, and it was hardly credible that, except for one change, the same team had won 8-2 against Falkirk in mid-week and had previously beat East Stirling 7-1 in the Dewar Shield.

Pep and Punch Missing.

Gone was the pep and punch from the attack, and the defence missed the energetic Falloon. Thomson, the ex-St Roch player, who deputised for the Irishman, worked hard, but lacked the defensive ability of Falloon.
Aberdeen's inside forwards were weak. Neither Beattie nor Mills played to expectation. The former failed with a penalty when Aberdeen were leading 1-0, and the ex-Bridgeton Waverley lad missed an open goal when the score stood 2-1 in East Stirling's favour.
Moore was the best of the home forwards, and he got little support from his colleagues. He managed to add one goal his total of twelve, however.
The visitors played typical Second Division football. They were well served in defence by Watson, Fraser, Auchenclose, and McClurg, and in attack by Kemp and Craigie. The latter changed places with Finlayson in the closing stages, and was responsible for two of the visitors' goals.

How Play Ran.

Aberdeen opened confidently, and Watson saved from Beattie. East Stirling were quick to reply, and Thomson deflected a try by Black for a corner.
Ten minutes after the start the homesters took the lead. McLean forced a corner, and from the winger's flag-kick Moore adroitly guided the ball into the net.
The visitors retaliated, and after Smith had punched clear from his namesake, Craigie missed narrowly. Aberdeen again took matters in hand, and Watson saved from Beattie. Mills had to retire injured, but resumed after seven minutes, and Watson brought off a great save from McLean after clever work by Moore.
The 'keeper was soon in action again to shots by Moore and Love. In an East Stirling breakaway Kemp headed past, and at the other end Watson held from Mills.
Aberdeen had the better of matters until the interval, but failed to increase their lead.

Aberdeen on Top.

The homesters resumed on the offensive, and Mooney and O'Reilly had tries. East Stirling had several raids, but Aberdeen were the more dangerous side.
In a home attack Moore was fouled in the penalty area, but Watson saved the spot kick, taken by Beattie.
In twenty-eight minutes East Stirling equalised. Kemp broke away on the right, and Craigie netted from his accurate cross.
Then followed a spell of Aberdeen pressure, but the visiting defence held, and in their next breakaway Craigie dashed through to put his side ahead.
Mills missed a great chance of equalising when he shot past after Watson had run out to clear a free kick from McGill. In the closing minutes Craigie was pulled down in the penalty area, and Fraser converted the spot kick.

Source: Press & Journal, 19th September 1932