Albion Rovers 1 - 5 Aberdeen

VICTORY EVEN MORE EASILY WON THAN SCORE SUGGESTS

DONS WITHOUT FALLOON, BEYNON, AND McKENZIE

Despite the fact that they were without Falloon, Beynon, and McKenzie, Aberdeen beat Albion Rovers at Coatbridge yesterday evening more easily than the 5-1 score suggests.

Although the Dons led by only a single goal at the interval, it was obvious that they would win once they had the breeze behind them in the second half.
Aberdeen made the issue secure, and had they cared to exert themselves it is probable that they would have won by more substantial margin.
Albion Rovers were a plucky side, but they were clearly outclassed. Even in the first period, when they had the advantage of the breeze, they never seemed likely to do any damage.
The Dons' defence generally had the measure of the attack, and Johnstone's principal duties were to clear loose balls.
Aberdeen, on the other hand, always threatened danger. They were stronger in defence and better-balanced in attack. The forwards at times played clever, cohesive football, and the only complaint that could be found with them was that they did not translate their superiority into goals as often as they might have done.
Johnstone, in goal, had a comparatively easy passage, but the backs were often busy. Cooper was opposed to Stewart, the Rovers' most dangerous forward, but came out of the game with credit. He gave an improved display compared with Saturday's match against Rangers. Temple was a sound left back.

CAPABLE SUBSTITUTE

Dunlop proved a capable substitute for Falloon. He confined himself for the most part to the role of defender, but showed a clever positional sense, and kept a good grip of Miller. Thomson was an effective left-half, but Devine, on the other flank, although plucky, was inclined to be impetuous.
The forwards were clever, but none could be classed as brilliant. Lang was the best of the quintette. He was smart on the ball, and got across many inviting centres. Had he shown a little more confidence in his shooting he would have been outstanding.
Mills takes credit for three of his side's goals. He was more effective than on his last appearance at Pittodrie, but two of his goals might have been prevented. Armstrong was a clever and tricky leader, but he was inclined to put to much work on the ball.
George Scott, who joined Aberdeen from East Fife, came in at the inside-right for McKenzie who had to cry off with a heel injury. He played a serviceable game, and although a trifle on the slow side, did some smart things. His goal was well taken.
Strauss, who was transferred to the extreme right, was not as prominent as usual, but this may be accounted for by the fact that he did not receive a great deal of the ball.

RAGGED LOT

Albion Rovers were a ragged lot, and indulged in too much big kicking. In Beath they had an excellent left-back, while Anderson, a hard worker, was the pick of the halves.
The forwards failed to impress as a combined force, and the only members who took the eye were Stewart and Trotter on the left.
The first thrill came when Armstrong let Strauss away on the right, and Hyslop missed his own goal narrowly in putting behind for a corner. Rovers came within an ace of taking the lead when Trotter carried the ball through for Stewart to send narrowly past.
In twenty-two minutes the Dons took the lead. Lang broke clear on the left, and crossed for Armstrong to nod the ball down to Mills. The inside-left steadied himself and smashed the ball past Ferguson.
Rovers held the balance of play, but were scarcely permitted to get to close quarters, and Johnstone's work consisted of clearing loose balls. Stewart was prominent on the home right, with a smart run and shot, but the ball went past.
The Aberdeen forwards served up some pretty forward play, and their clever combined work had dangerous appearance. Actually they looked more dangerous than they were.
Ferguson held a stingless effort from Mills, and later the same player drove narrowly past from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.

ABERDEEN CONFIDENT

Aberdeen resumed in a confident fashion, and in four minutes increased their lead following the second of two corners. Lang regained possession from the second flag kick and crossed for Scott (G.) to head in near the post.
The Dons continued to dominate matters, and, with ten minutes gone, they increased their lead when Hyslop diverted a simple try by Mills past his own keeper. Two minutes later a mix-up in the Rovers' defence allowed Armstrong to gain possession.
He cut across to the left and beat couple of men before sending into the net.
After eighteen minutes' play Rovers reduced the leeway in their second excursion into Aberdeen territory.
The Dons' defence was at fault, the ball being allowed to bob about the goalmouth too long. Ultimately Stark fastened on, and although Johnstone managed to push the winger's shot against the post, Miller gained possession to net from close range. Five minutes from the end Ferguson failed to stop an easy grounder by Mills.

Source: Press & Journal, 25th March 1937