Falkirk 0 - 1 Aberdeen

History records two battles at Falkirk. Another was added to the list on Saturday. It was a Brockville battle and it was fought before 6000 onlookers.

There were several casualties and one of the contestants was rendered absolutely hors de combat, while three others were put out of action.
Aberdeen gained a hard-fought victory by sinking one ball into their opponents' net.
The "Bairns" failed to recover from the shock which came ten minutes after the resumption of the engagement.
The losers never rallied after they lost their commander. Charlie Napier, and the Mills bombs and McPherson torpedoes were always a source of danger to the enemy.

VIRILE GAME

It was a game to be remembered more for its thrills than its frills.
Aberdeen, with what I would call a nondescript eleven, staged one of the most virile games ever witnessed.
Falkirk were early handicapped by injuries to Dawson, Carruthers, and Napier. The last was wounded early in the first half and was unable to resume.

"BAIRNS'" UNDOING

His generalship, being absent, proved Falkirk's undoing, and McPherson's goal ten minutes after the re-start gave Aberdeen that bite from which Falkirk never recovered. It was a cleverly-engineered and craftily-taken goal.
Getting the ball nicely from Mills, the young Ranger hoodwinked the defence, and with adroit foot movement lifted it into the roof of the net.
Then followed scenes which are not creditable. Peat and Wilson being ordered off, with Graham to follow.

READY FOR OPENINGS

McPherson was Aberdeen's most penetrative forward, with Mills always heady and ready to make openings.
George Thomson was a resourceful pivot and the local Aberdeen "junior" fully justified his selection in tackling and purveying.
Ross was also capable wing support, and the burly and bustling man in defence was Graham. Johnstone distinguished himself by his courage in facing the shots of Dynamite Dawson.
Manager Halliday deserves a halo for having secured victory with such a paper piebald eleven.

Source: Press & Journal, 15th April 1940