Aberdeen 5 - 1 Kilmarnock

RITCHIE SMITH HAS HAT-TRICK

KILLIE RESERVES OUTPLAYED

Aberdeen "A" completed their home fixtures on Saturday in style with a smashing 5-1 victory over the Kilmarnock second string at Pittodrie.

Killie never looked like winning, so much superior were the Aberdeen forwards and halves, and by half-time the Young Dons had rattled on three goals without reply.
The homesters eased up in the second half, and though Kilmarnock "A" did a fair share of the attacking one goal was their limit.

EARLY AHEAD

Aberdeen "A" were not long in taking the lead. Smith (R.) smashing home a Taylor flick from forty yards. The homesters maintained their pressure, and after a further ten minutes Smith (R.) fastened on nicely to a pass from Devine to give Miller no chance with a fast grounder.

The Aberdeen attack had long spells in Killie territory, but the visiting backs stood their ground well, and it was not until Kilmarnock "A" had launched several counter attacks that Scott (W.) managed to add a third.
Smith (R.) completed the hat-trick early in the second half from an unmarked position, and after a considerable amount of pressure the visitors opened their account with the best goal of the match. McAvoy caught a pass from Clarkson on the run to flash the ball past Smith.

CURIOUS GOAL

In the closing minutes, however, Aberdeen "A" re-established their four-goal lead under peculiar circumstances. Miller, in attempting to throw clear, accidentally struck the centre's head, for the ball to bounce back into the net.
Smith (R.), with a hat-trick to his credit, was the outstanding man afield, while Scott (W.) and Warnock gave the visiting backs a trying time with their smart interchanging. Devine was the pick of a good half line, and Smith a sound 'keeper.
Leslie, Alexander and Gallacher took the honours in the Killie defence, and Henry, Turnbull and M'Avoy best of poor attack.

Source: Press & Journal, 26th April 1937