Aberdeen 1 - 0 Celtic

A simple-looking shot by Warnock two minutes after the start of the second half decided the issue in favour of Aberdeen in their vital match with Celtic at Pittodrie on Saturday.
Kennaway miscalculated the speed of the ball, dived too soon, and it bounced over his body into the net.

While there was nothing spectacular about the all-important goal the leading-up work was excellent. Armstrong gathered the ball on the left, and made ground before parting to Strauss, who had taken up the centre forward position. The South African slipped the ball out to the inrushing Warnock, and it finished in the net.
It was a hard and exciting game, and if the football was not of a particularly high standard some excuse may be found for the players in the fact that the points at stake were vitally important to both teams.

THRILLING NINETY MINUTES

Interest was kept alive until the final whistle. Celtic fought back courageously in an effort to share the points, and the visitors seemed as likely to snatch the equaliser as did Aberdeen to increase their lead.
The Dons deserved their victory, and when it is considered that they were forced to field four reserves they are due all credit.
On two occasions Strauss might have found the net. He was left in possession in front of goal, but delayed too long in getting in his shot and Kennaway left his charge to smother the ball. The second chance was more difficult. The left winger beat the 'keeper in a race for the ball, but so near a thing was it that there was some excuse for him shooting past.

CELTIC FIGHT BACK

Celtic gradually found their feet, and fought back vigorously. Midway through the period and again near the interval Johnstone saved from Crum.
After they had taken the lead the Dons played confidently, but towards the end Celtic made a gallant, if unavailing, effort to get on level terms.
The Aberdeen defence as a whole played well. Perhaps the most satisfactory feature was the success of Johnstone and Temple. The 'keeper was called on to do duty at the last minute, and was making his first appearance in the League side, while Temple had only once previously played in First Division football.
Johnstone had not a great deal to do, but what he had to do he did coolly and confidently. Temple was a trifle impetuous, but was plucky and showed a good turn of speed. He will improve with experience. Both players are worth further trial.

FALLOON AS HERO

Cooper gave a splendid display, tackling and kicking strongly, but the outstanding personality in defence was Falloon, who time and again with head and feet smashed up dangerous Celtic attacks.
Thomson and Dunlop played hard, but both have been seen to better advantage. The right half was rash in the tackle, and Thomson did not give his forwards as good support as usual.
Despite the fact that he failed to score, Strauss was ever a source of danger on the left, and gave Hogg a busy afternoon. Owing to the close attentions of Geetons, Mills was not so prominent as usual, but he contrived to keep play open.

ARMSTRONG SUBDUED

Armstrong found it difficult to elude Lyon, and although he displayed boundless energy he was seldom dangerous. McKenzie a played hard and useful game. He was always willing to assist in defence and on numerous occasions carried the ball forward to set the attack in motion.
Apart from scoring the goal Warnock did little of note. He was opposed to a good back in Morrison, who saw to it that the winger's activities for the most part were confined to the touchline.
The outstanding department of the Celtic team was the half-back line. Geatons, Lyon and Paterson played splendidly. They were strong in defence and worked hard to keep the attack moving.
Kennaway, in goal, made only one mistake, but it was a costly one. Hogg and Morrison, after the opening stages, proved sound and resourceful backs.
The attack was not impressive and lacked cohesion. McDonald was the cleverest of the quintette, while Crum, at outside-right and also when he changed places with Carruth, fifteen minutes after the start of the second half, was the most dangerous.
Buchan lacked initiative and Carruth was seldom dangerous. McGrory, on the left, was subdued.

Source: Press & Journal, 25th January 1937