Aberdeen 2 - 0 Morton

DONS WORTHILY EARN RIGHT TO ENTER FINAL AT MORTON'S EXPENSE

WONDER GOAL BY ARMSTRONG LAYS FOUNDATION OF VICTORY

Football history was made on Saturday when Aberdeen qualified to meet Celtic in the final of the Scottish Cup.

The Dons succeeded at the seventh time to enter the last stage. Will they continue breaking records, and make the season an outstanding one by capturing the coveted trophy?
Superior in defence and attack, Aberdeen worthily won their way to the final at the expense of Morton at Easter Road, Edinburgh, on Saturday by two goals to nil.
The final will be played on April 24, probably at Hampden Park, Glasgow.
Morton made Aberdeen fight hard, but the Dons were never in difficulties, and there can be no shadow of doubt but that the better team triumphed.
Team work and skilful football succeeded where dash and unbounded enthusiasm failed. The greater value of the subtle pass and clever positional play, as compared with speed and dash, was clearly demonstrated.
A wonderful opening goal by Armstrong in twelve minutes laid the foundation of Aberdeen's victory. It was the highlight of the match. Accepting a short pass from Lang, Armstrong from a seemingly hopeless position swerved his way past four opponents to hook the ball into the corner of the net, well out of Stewart's reach.
Previous to this goal there had been a suggestion of nerves about the Dons' play, but with its arrival they developed into clever and cohesive force. In twenty-eight minutes came the second goal.

STRAUSS'S GOAL

McKenzie did the leading up work, and was left in possession close in. While he was preparing to shoot Strauss nipped in to gather the ball, and unhurriedly shoot into the net.
It was shortly after this that the South African received a severe leg injury, and from that time onwards he was nothing more than a passenger on the right wing. This handicap upset the balance of the attack, and in the second half Morton had the major share of the play.
The Second League team lacked guile in attack. Their play was stereotyped, and although Aberdeen had some anxious moments they never lost their grip. In fact, but for the injury to Strauss the Dons would possibly have finished even more convincing winners.
Once Falloon and Cooper got a grip of Black and McGarry, the key-men of the Greenock attack, the line lost most of its effectiveness. It is to their credit that Morton refused to acknowledge defeat until the final whistle, but they were beaten by a better-class team.

JOHNSTONE CONFIDENT

Morton looked more dangerous than they actually were. Once they had got over their initial stage fright the Aberdeen defence played strongly and covered up cleverly. There was no weak link. Johnstone in goal inspired confidence by his handling. He had few direct shots to save, but showed intelligent anticipation in dealing with loose balls. Cooper was not too comfortable against McGarry, Morton's dangerous left winger, in the opening stages, but gradually got the measure of his opponent and confined his activities to the touch-line. Temple at left back positioned himself cleverly and kicked strongly, with the result that Collins rarely threatened danger.
Falloon was the Dons' strongest and coolest defender. He "policed" the middle of the field effectively and from first to last never allowed the dashing Black out of his grip. Dunlop was the better of two strong wing halves, combining defence and attack with judgment. Thomson was seen at his best as a spoiler.

ARMSTRONG STARS

Armstrong was in sprightly mood as leader of the Aberdeen attack. Quick and elusive, he gave the Morton defence an anxious time. It was his best display for many weeks.
There was a clever understanding between the centre and Mills and McKenzie, and this trio combined to serve up an excellent brand of football. Mills was a scheming inside forward, while McKenzie's value as a forager could scarcely be over-estimated.
Until his injury Strauss was ever dangerous, while Lang on the left did a tremendous amount of work.
Morton were a wholehearted side, and if they gain promotion they should hold their own in the First Division. In Maley they had the outstanding back afield, and Stewart was a sound 'keeper.
The half-backs were too busy trying cope with the Aberdeen attack to lend their own forwards much assistance, but Mooney on the left was a strong, resourceful player.
Smith and McGarry on the left combined cleverly, and had a dangerous appearance, but they were too closely watched to do any damage.

Source: Press & Journal, 5th April 1937