Albion Rovers 1 - 0 Aberdeen

KIERNAN SNAPS GOAL THAT MEANS "NO CHANGE" AT COATBRIDGE

A GOAL three minutes from the end of the game assured an anxious Albion Rovers team of First Division status next season. It was a great moment for the Coatbridge officials and players, who have been closely pursued by the relegation bogey for weeks.
Aberdeen have no excuse to offer for this defeat. The blame rests with the forwards. They gave a puerile display. This department will have to be strengthened before August.
When the Rovers failed to score in the first half, when they had a strong wind behind them, the Coatbridge spectators had practically abandoned hope. Victory for the Dons seemed assured. But the Dons let us down once again.

DECIDING GOAL

Against the wind the Rovers became more dangerous than they had been in the first half. Only sound work by the Aberdeen half-backs kept them at bay. The Pittodrie forwards failed completely to make use of the wind. Passes went astray with distressing regularity, and when they did get to close quarters they footered about until a home defender barged in to clear.
The finishing of the Rovers' attackers was no more effective than that of Aberdeen, but there was some excuse for them. With relegation looming ahead it was not surprising that their play was affected by "nerves." They were over-anxious.
A draw seemed inevitable when the winning goal arrived rather unexpectedly to bring joy to the hearts of the home players and officials. The attack did not look particularly dangerous, but Kiernan was suddenly given chance just inside the penalty area, and he took it. His magnificent shot beat Kelly all ends up Aberdeen's rear lines played well, otherwise they would have lost by more than a single goal. Kelly, in goal, gets full marks, and Cooper was sound and reliable at right back. Adey was not too impressive against Dempsey. His tackling was weak.

DONS' HALVES GOOD

The Pittodrie half-back line was good. Thomson was the most effective middleman afield, strong in defence and intelligent and aggressive in attack. Dunlop on the other flank also played well, and Nicholson throughout was a stumbling block to the Rovers front line.
Little that is complimentary can be said about the Aberdeen forwards. Smith at outside right was never in the hunt, and Hamilton will have to play a lot better if he to be success for his country during the Canadian tour.
Armstrong was too dainty. It would pay him better to pay more attention to his finishing. Biggs was never prominent. and Strauss gave the Rovers' defence little trouble.
The Albion Rovers rear division deserve credit for a vigorous display. McClory, in goal, had not a great deal to do. but his play inspired confidence. Waddell at right back was rarely at a loss, and considering that he is a half-back. McLetchie did well in the left back berth. Sharp was the pick the intermediate-line, resourceful in defence and progressive in attack. McClure at centre-half was a strong defender.
Dempsey, on the right wing, was the most dangerous forward. Kiernan, his partner, had a poor game, but he can be forgiven in view of the fact that he scored the all-important goal. Bell, at inside left, showed smart touches, although hardly thrustful enough at close quarters.

Source: Press & Journal, 24th April 1939