Aberdeen 5 - 1 St. Johnstone

St Johnstone Defeated by Five Goals to One

DONS SUPERIOR FORE AND AFT

Aberdeen experienced little difficulty in retaining custody of the Dewar Shield before 10,000 spectators at Pittodrie last night. Fore and aft the Dons were superior to the Perth team, but the margin in their favour rather exaggerates their superiority.

Four minutes from time they were only two goals ahead, but a last-minute burst produced two quick goals. It was rather a disappointing game for a final. The dismal weather, of course, did not help matters much, and the match finished in semi-darkness.

Little Excitement

Both sides fielded reserves, and the play never reached a high standard. There was little of the excitement usually associated with cup-tie.
The home defence was seldom in difficulties, and Smith, Cooper, and McGill played splendidly. Falloon, although keeping a tight grip of Lorimer was not so sure as usual, and Dunlop was the pick of the half-backs. Thomson was his usual steady self.
Beynon, who secured a hat-trick, and McKenzie were the pick of the forwards. Scott was willing, but could not get clear of Moulds, while Devine and Smith on the left did not impress until the second half was well on its way.
St Johnstone had little luck in attack, but their defence was not all it might have been. Wylie brought off some spectacular saves, but both Welsh and Taylor were inclined to waver under pressure. In the middle division Mason was a good, constructive player, while Moulds, who towered above everybody else, was a stout defender.

McCall Outstanding

In McCall, the Saints had the outstanding player afield, but he got no support. Of the other forwards, Caskie alone threatened any danger to the home goal. Dickie, playing at inside left, was subdued.
There was little to enthuse over in the opening minutes, but after ten minutes had gone Smellie rather needlessly handled the ball in the penalty area. With Thomson limping injured, Ritchie Smith piloted the ball past Wylie from the spot.
The Saints' reply was swift and to the point, and Tennant shot just over. Neither team looked dangerous, but a surprise was in store, and, with twenty-one minutes gone, McCall emerged from a scramble near the home goal to beat Smith from close in.
Play brightened to some extent after this, and after lovely play by McKenzie, Ritchie Smith crossed for Beynon to leap high in the air and head past Wylie.
This completed the scoring in the first half, and on the resumption the Saints set out to retrieve their position. McCall was often in the limelight, but he could get nobody to support him and the Perth challenge petered out.

Amazing Goal

Aberdeen were now top dogs, and it was not surprising that they went further ahead. It was an amazing goal, however. Beynon was standing almost at the corner flag when he sent the ball into goal, and it dropped behind Wylie at the far post.
Wylie had some hard shots deal with towards the close, and had not a chance with Scott's header four minutes from time, the ball going in off the post. With one minute left for play Beynon fastened on to a loose ball and completed his hat-trick.

At the close of the match Baillie Stewart, Perth, handed over the Dewar Shield to the Aberdeen Club, Mr F. J. Whitehead, the chairman, accepting the trophy. Mrs Hay, wife of Mr W. D. Hay, the Aberdeen F.C. director, handed over the gold watches to the Aberdeen players.

Source: Press & Journal, 3rd September 1936