Aberdeen 2 - 2 Airdrie

Seems That Championship is Not for Pittodrie

FORWARD LINE NOT A SUCCESS

It seems that the Scottish League championship is not for Pittodrie this season.

What little chance the Dons had of making football history was practically exploded on Saturday, when they could do no better than draw with Airdrie, one of the bottom-markers, at Pittodrie.
Prior to the New Year, Aberdeen's prospects looked quite rosy, but since December 21 they have dropped no fewer than seven points in seven matches.
Saturday's partial failure was a bad blow. The Dons were without three of their regulars in Armstrong, Mills and Lang, and the "new" forward formation did not prove a success.

Their Own Fault

The homesters had eighty-five per cent, of the play, and that they did not win they have themselves entirely to blame.
The conditions were against good football. The pitch had been cleared of snow except for a thin coating, and this, combined with the sand which had been laid, made the ball very difficult to control.
This does not altogether excuse the forwards, however. They played well until they reached the penalty area, then they faded out. Had they taken their chances, Aberdeen would have won handsomely.
The two goals that were scored served only to emphasise the forwards' lack of finishing power - the first was netted from a penalty, and the second came from what was probably meant for a cross.

Victory Seemed Likely

Aberdeen took matters in hand from the start, and Smith (R.) missed a golden opportunity in the opening minutes. When the scoring was opened in fifteen minutes an Aberdeen victory seemed probable. Scott was brought down in the penalty area, and Thomson netted from the spot-kick.
Despite their pressure, however, the Dons failed to increase their advantage until four minutes from the interval, when Beynon crossed a ball which struck the inside of the upright and entered the net.

Seven minutes after the restart Airdrie reduced the leeway. Ross forced a corner off Cooper, and Connor was lying in position to head the flag-kick into the net.
The homesters continued to do the bulk of the attacking until eighteen minutes from the end, when the visitors drew level. A faulty clearance by Cooper enabled Mooney to score from close range despite a desperate effort by Falloon to avert disaster.
Subsequently Airdrie became more lively and made a bold but vain effort to snatch both points. They can consider themselves fortunate, however, to have escaped with one point.

Defence Generally Sound

Generally the Aberdeen defence was sound. Smith, in goal, had a comparatively quiet time, while Cooper and McGill defended strongly. Except for the fact that he was in some measure to blame for the equalising goal, the right back gave an excellent display.
Falloon was Aberdeen's best defender. He was quick to go the aid of either of the backs, and shadowed Connor so well that the Airdrie leader had practically no chance. Fraser and Thomson kept a good grip of the Broomfield Park attack, and lent their forwards good support.
Beynon, although he was not brilliant, was Aberdeen's most consistent attacker, crossing some dangerous balls. Devers, who came in for Warnock at the last minute, was clever on the ball, but his shooting left a good deal to be desired.
McKenzie faded away after a bright start, and Smith (R.), on the extreme wing, never settled down. Scott tried hard, but was well held by McAllister. He should have scored in the second half, however, when he got clean through and shot past.

Courageous Display

The Airdrie defence deserves credit for a courageous display. Hawthorn was a sound 'keeper, and Calder and Shaw a pair of strong backs. McAllister was a tower of strength in defence, and McCaffer a smart right-half.
Law and Mooney, on the left, were a pair of speedy and hard-working forwards, while Ross was a dangerous right winger.

Source: Press & Journal, 13th January 1936