Aberdeen 3 - 0 Cowdenbeath

Aberdeen concluded their home programme of league matches with a 3-0 victory over Cowdenbeath, and strengthened their position fifth from the top of the league table. On a cold afternoon there was a strong wind from the east, and the game attracted only about 8000 spectators. Aberdeen had Cooper at right back and McFarlane at centre-forward, while Cowdenbeath introduced McMahon, Saltcoats Victoria at left half, and had Falconer, their reserve goalkeeper, at outside left.
Aberdeen practically made the issue safe in the first seven minutes, when, although facing the wind, they established a lead of two goals. A sudden change from defence to attack led to the right wing making progress, and McFarlane cleverly allowed a pass from Cheyne to travel to Smith, who shot into the net with great force. Only two minutes had elapsed when Yorston dribbled through to beat two opponents and score with a fast, rising shot. Subsequently Cowdenbeath brought much pressure to bear on the home defence, and McHale headed away many centres by the wingers. At times the Aberdeen backs were none too sound, and the visiting forwards had many opportunities of shooting. When they did avail themselves of these their marksmanship was bad. Such shots as were on the mark went straight to Blackwell, but for the most part he watched the ball going wide or well over the top.
Aberdeen, on the other hand. if not frequently attacking, were more dangerous, Yorston, Cheyne, and Smith all having McLean in action. At Blackwell's end the best tries were by Rankine, Leonard, and Glancy, but indifferent shooting alone was responsible for Cowdenbeath being so far in arrears at the interval.

DISPUTED GOAL.

Play in the second half ruled greatly in favour of Aberdeen, and it was only the fine goalkeeping of McLean, coupled with resolute tackling by the visitors' defence, that prevented Aberdeen from counting more than once. Cowdenbeath protested against the award of this goal, but from the press box it was apparent the referee's decision was correct. The circumstances were that Love centred strongly, and the ball went to Smith. who sent in a fierce shot, which McLean knocked down but could not hold, and the ball dropped behind the goal-line. Cowdenbeath defenders maintained that the ball had not been over the line, but the referee, who was favourably placed to judge, refused to amend his decision.
While the Aberdeen attackers, among whom has to be included the two full backs, had many excellent tries that were either saved or just missed the goal, Cowdenbeath were scarcely ever dangerous. There was one occasion, however, when Blackwell missed a swerving centre by Leonard, that the Aberdeen goal was fortunate to escape. To the end Aberdeen held the upper hand, and on their second half's display won even more easily than the score suggests.

SEQUENCE OF HOME WINS.

This was Aberdeen's tenth successive victory at Pittodrie and one of their easiest obtained. Except for one occasion Blackwell was never seriously troubled, but if the backs had an easy time in the second half, they were often stretched in the first period. Jackson, who tackled well, was the better of the two. Cooper being weak in that department and appearing to be slow. Aberdeen were greatly superior at half-back when Black, McHale, and McDermid rendered splendid service, especially McHale, who dominated the Cowdenbeath trio of inside forwards. In a sprightly van Aberdeen were finely served by Yorston, Smith, and McFarlane. The last named was very nippy, and although he failed to score his distribution was admirable, and he continually harassed the opposing backs. Cowdenbeath were well served by McLean, who saved his side on numerous occasions, especially in the second half, when his charge was seldom clear of danger. Moyes was the better back, and Dixon and Glancy performed creditably at half-back, although the former tired towards the end. In a forward line that negatived otherwise clever play in the first half by wretched finishing, Rankine and Leonard were most prominent, but Falconer was by no means a failure in an unaccustomed role.

Source: Press & Journal, 16th April 1928

This was the match where Willie Cooper made his First Team debut.