Aberdeen 1 - 1 Motherwell

Dons Drop Point at Home

IMPROVEMENT ALL ROUND NEEDED

Aberdeen are still unbeaten at home, but never will they come nearer losing their record than on Saturday. With two minutes to go Motherwell were leading 1-0, when McKenzie rushed home the equaliser following a Lang corner.

The loss of this point is a blow to the Dons' championship aspirations. With a game more played, they are now only a point ahead of Celtic, and four points in front of Rangers. The fact that the Glasgow rivals meet on Wednesday should benefit the Dons, provided the Dons win at Dundee.
Aberdeen did not impress as potential League champions against Motherwell on Saturday, and there will have to be an all-round improvement if they are to maintain their challenge. Although the Motherwell defence gave a grand display it must be admitted that the play of the home forwards was not up to the usual standard.

Armstrong Missed

Armstrong was missed at centre-forward. Devers was a tireless worker, but found his lack of height and weight a big disadvantage against hefty, first-time Fir Park defence.
Some smart football was served up the first half, and in the opening minutes the Dons did not enjoy the best of luck. Twice the woodwork saved their opponents. On the first occasion McKenzie let Warnock through, and the winger struck the crossbar, while later Mills beat McClory with a fierce drive, only to see the ball strike the upright
Motherwell allowed one golden opportunity to slip during this period, when Smith pushed a try by Ferrier to Ogilvie's feet, and the right winger lifted the ball over the bar.

Motherwell Goal

In the second half the homesters did the bulk of the attacking, but they could not break down a solid Motherwell defence. The visitors' breakaways were always fraught with danger, and after twenty minutes' play they went ahead.
Smith ran from his goal to knock down a try by Stevenson, and before he could return to his charge Ogilvie banged the ball into the net.
This goal gave the visitors confidence, while it acted as a spur on the Dons. It seemed that the Lanarkshire defence would defy the homesters, and most people had resigned themselves to defeat when McKenzie snatched the equaliser.

Sometimes Shaky

The Aberdeen defence was at times a trifle shaky under pressure. Smith, in goal, performed creditably, although did not seem confident with high balls. Cooper was the steadier back, and Falloon was a sound centre half, who gave Wyllie few chances to shine.
The play of the wing halves, Fraser and Thomson, was not up to the standard of recent weeks. The right-half seemed a little on the slow side, and too often Thomson's passes went astray. Both, however, worked hard in defence.

Attack Lacks Thrust

The attack lacked thrust. Warnock, on the extreme right, again gave a sound display. He was a clever and dashing raider, and kept Ellis fully employed. Lang, on the other wing, was also dangerous in possession, but did not receive enough of the ball.
McKenzie was the best of the inside trio, being clever on the ball and distributing play smartly. Mills did not impress, and Devers was too well shadowed by Blair to be effective.

Splendid Defenders

Motherwell possess a splendid, quick-tackling defence, and to this department must go much of the credit for their success. McClory was a safe custodian, and Grant and Ellis a pair of strong, clean kicking backs.
Blair did a lot of valuable work in defence. Wales and Telfer worked well with the forwards. Stevenson and Ferrier, the left-wing pair, were lively and dangerous, and Ogilvie, on the extreme right, was fast and caused McGill many anxious moments.
Pittodrie has proved something of happy hunting ground for the 'Well. Saturday was the fourth season in succession which they have taken a point from their visit to Aberdeen.

Source: Press & Journal, 30th December 1935