Aberdeen 5 - 0 Hamilton

Aberdeen forwards demonstrated just how thrustful they could be in the closing stages of the game against Hamilton at Pittodrie on Saturday. In the short space of five minutes they turned a moderate win into a thumping 5-0 victory by scoring three goals in five minutes.
It was a totally different Aberdeen to that which surrendered their home record to Clyde the previous week. They were more confident and more buoyant. Gone was the uncertainty in defence, to be replaced by a boldness and resourcefulness that has been missing for several weeks.

ATTACK ENTERPRISING

Similarly the attack found its feet. The line moved with more smoothness and showed more enterprise. In fact it was an Aberdeen team that one could almost have grown enthusiastic about but, then, it?s never safe to grow enthusiastic about the Dons. One week they carry you to dizzy heights and the next they leave you dizzy.
It was the strongest team at the disposal the club. Whether it is strong enough make a real fight for honours is doubtful. but if the players continue to, reveal the same spirit should certainly improve on recent results.
Aberdeen took the lead in six minutes against Hamilton. Armstrong chased after a hefty clearance by Nicholson and the combined efforts of Wallace, Scott and Lowe failed to prevent the centre delivering his scoring shot.
The Dons almost lost the lead near the interval when Wilson beat Nicholson and was left with a clear field except for Johnstone. The equaliser seemed certain, but the 'keeper saved the day by throwing himself at Wilson's feet.

SMITH GETS THROUGH

This escape seemed to awaken the Aberdeen players to the fact that one goal was not enough, for two minutes after the resumption they increased their lead. Smith picked up a pass from Armstrong and raced for goal. He avoided a challenge by Scott and his shot from close range was deflected into the net by Morgan.
From that point onwards the Dons were on top, but it was twelve minutes from the end before the Hamilton defence completely cracked up. Strauss started the trouble. An excellent pass by Biggs gave the South African a chance and he beat Morgan with a fierce drive.
Aberdeen broke away from the re-centre and when Smith sent the ball into the middle along the ground Hamilton first-timed it into the net. Strauss got the fifth goal when he beat Wallace and Lowe in a race for a clearance.
Nicholson was the backbone of an Aberdeen defence that was seldom in difficulties The centre-half took the sting out the Hamilton attack by relentlessly smashing up all their attempts to break through down the middle.

GRAHAM SATISFACTORY

Johnstone's handling in goal inspired confidence and Cooper was a more reliable back than against Clyde. For the second week succession Graham satisfactorily filled the left-back berth.
Dunlop was the better wing half, combining defence and attack skilfully. Thomson tried hard but did not touch his best form.
For once every Aberdeen forward was dangerous. Biggs was the only member of the line who did not score, but the former Hearts player nevertheless played his part. He could carry the ball through and his distribution was first-rate.
Strauss was more effective than he has been for months, and the excellent service he received from Biggs was mainly responsible for the winger's success. There was a touch the old Strauss about those two goals of his.
Armstrong, too, revealed a much-needed improvement. He led the line well, and showed signs of regaining his best form. Hamilton was one of the best forwards afield. He was strong on the ball, and his accurate passes opened up play when the line threatened to fall into the old fault bunching.
Smith on the extreme right showed speed, and crossed some dangerous balls. Hamilton's defence wavered in the early stages, but fought pluckily until near the end. Morgan, in goal, could not be blamed for the heavy defeat, but Wallace and Scott lost their grip of the wingers in the second half.
Lowe was Hamilton's best defender, but the centre half got too much to do. The wing halves were weak. Keddie was the most enterprising forward, but the line as a whole did not work harmoniously. The extreme wingers were not thrustful enough.

Source: Press & Journal, 7th November 1938