Hamilton 0 - 1 Aberdeen

BIG IMPROVEMENT IN DONS' PLAY

JOHNSTONE SAFE IN GOAL

Strauss was Aberdeen's match-winner at Hamilton. The South African scored the all-important goal three minutes after the start.

He, it was, who engineered the movement that led to the point. Gathering the ball and cutting in towards the middle he sent it out to Armstrong, who had taken up position on the wing. The centre swung it across the goalmouth and Warnock, in attempting an overhead shot, struck Scott, the Hamilton left back. The ball shot into the air and Strauss darted forward to head into the net.

GREAT 'KEEPING

The Dons clung desperately to their single goal lead until the final whistle, but in the casing minutes, when Hamilton were fighting grimly to open their account, only the brilliant goalkeeping of Johnstone prevented the equaliser.
At full length he dealt with an awkward shot by Gilmour, and following a free kick by Cox, which McGill nodded back, Johnstone wheeled on the goal line to evade King, who was almost on top of him.
The game was fiercely contested from start to finish. There was little between the teams, but what little there was favoured Aberdeen. They were more polished, combined well, and deserved their narrow victory.
The Dons were scarcely recognisable as the same team as was beaten at Shawfield the previous week. They were by no means a championship side, but there was considerably more dash and enthusiasm about their play.

DISAPPOINTING ACCIES

Hamilton's forward line was disappointing. They have scored more goals than any other team in the League, but on Saturday they did not impress. They lacked cohesion and Harrison's scheming was badly missed at inside left.
It was a game in which the defences held the advantage, but the forwards, particularly the home lot. were lacking in thrust, and their inability to control the ball effectively on the hard ground eased the task of the defenders.
At Hamilton the Aberdeen defence was more stable than it has been for some time. Johnstone was his usual confident self, and both Cooper and McGill tackled and kicked strongly.
There was an improvement in the play of the half backs. Thomson gave his most convincing display since taking the centre-half berth. was effective with head and feet, kept good grip of Wilson, Hamilton's dashing leader, and invariably kept his clearances inside the field of play.

FRASER GOOD

Fraser was the better wing half. Not only did he perform good work in defence, but afforded the left-wing pair, Strauss and Mills, good support. Dunlop was better than against Clyde, but is not yet the resourceful player of last season.
The Aberdeen attack moved with more rhythm than that of Hamilton. Strauss, on the extreme left, reproduced all his old liveliness and was a continuous source of trouble to the right flank of the Accies' defence. He took his goal very smartly.
Mills was a clever schemer. He has not completely regained his confidence, but his clever distribution was responsible for many of the Aberdeen attacks. Armstrong was a tricky and dangerous leader in the first half, but was less conspicuous after the interval. During his bright spell, however, he was clever on the ball, and his inter-changing of position with Strauss often confused the Hamilton defence.

SMITH'S INITIATIVE

Smith was Aberdeen's hardest working forward. Adopting the role of inside forward-cum-half-back, he helped in defence and fetched and carried for the forwards. Warnock on the extreme right had a quiet game, but because of his tendency to poach." required careful watching.
Hamilton were well served in defence Morgan in goal, although less busy than Johnstone, was sure in his handling, while Wallace and Scott were reliable if not polished backs. The half-backs were seen at their best in a defensive capacity, Lowe was most impressive.
Hamilton's chief weakness in attack was at inside forward. Wilson was a clever and courageous leader, and with better support would have been dangerous. Gilmour was a poor substitute for Harrison, and Keddie, although he was strong and forceful, spoiled his play by over-eagerness.
McNee missed the support of Harrison, but King on the other wing was often dangerous.

Source: Press & Journal, 22nd November 1937