Aberdeen 2 - 3 Celtic

Smith Does Little, But Does It Well

Aberdeen "A" lost to Celtic "A" on Saturday in an Alliance League fixture in a game more distinguished for the hardness of the exchanges than for attractive football.

Conditions were completely against constructive play, continual rain making the pitch a quagmire. Celtic won because they adapted themselves much better to the state of the ground, and because the home defence was a trifle shaky, the marking occasionally being decidedly weak.

CENTRE HELD

Another factor which told heavily against the Young Dons was the ineffectiveness of Taylor at centre-forward in opposition to the tall Millar, Celtic's powerful centre-half.
Millar was unbeatable in the air, and the small Aberdeen leader was at a disadvantage, too, on the ground. He tried hard to worm his way past the Celtic pivot, but he found the task too much for him.
The earlier stages of the game favoured the home side, and Aberdeen "A" almost took the lead when Taylor drove in a fierce shot which was brilliantly saved by Doherty in the Celtic goal.
Although Aberdeen were enjoying the bulk of the pressure, Celtic looked the more dangerous in combined attack, and Kelly did remarkably well to save a certain goal when he threw himself at Anderson's feet as the Celtic forwards bore down on his charge.

SMITH'S GOOD TRY

Play swung to the other end and again Aberdeen almost went ahead when Smith, the new winger from Yeovil, smashed a ball against the post after tricking Doyle.
Aberdeen's promising start was short-lived. Celtic were now in command and had a grasp on the game which they never relaxed.
They took the lead with a goal from Fitzsimmons. The home defence faltered badly, and the winger had the ball past Kelly in twinkling.
Twice Celtic had the ball in the net, but both times offside saved Aberdeen, but they scored a second time when McMillan beat Kelly to the ball.
In an effort to save the goal Kelly dived at the Celtic centre's feet and injured his neck. He did not resume on the restart, Mackie taking his place, but about twenty minutes later he came on again and Mackie went back to right half.
Minutes after half-time, the Young Dons reduced the leeway with a penalty. Smith was brought down and Newton scored from the spot.
Celtic were now definitely the stronger team and added their third goal when Waters smartly headed home when Mackie fisted out a cross from Anderson.

SCOTT WORKS HARD,/p> George Scott was the most effective forward in the Aberdeen line, and the heavy going seemed to suit him. He worked very hard and was getting little support.
Skea, on the other hand, was finding the pitch a problem which he never solved all afternoon.
On the right wing, Smith gave glimpses of power and speed and he demonstrated a powerful shot on occasion, but he never really got a chance to show his paces.

Source: Press & Journal, 17th January 1938