Cowdenbeath 3 - 1 Aberdeen

About 3000 spectators were present at Central Park, Cowdenbeath, when Aberdeen were in opposition to the local side. Cowdenbeath won on their merits by three goals to one. They had a distinct advantage in outfield paly, and, in addition, showed superior shooting. The foundation of the victory was laid by the home half-backs. Glancy, Menzies, and Campbell were a strong trio, who tackled well, and, whenever possible, helped their forwards with passes which seldom went astray. The Aberdeen half-backs were strong and rugged in their play, but they seldom showed any constructive ability, comparing badly with the Cowdenbeath men in that respect. Both sides were well served in goal and at full back. Cooper was perhaps the best of four resourceful backs, even if he was unfortunate enough to score against his own side in passing the ball to the goalkeeper. His kicking was always powerful and accurate. Better supported from behind, the Cowdenbeath forwards always looked more dangerous than the Aberdeen line. Paterson was a clever and dashing leader, and Hamill and Stewart ran and crossed well on the wings. Anderson and Venters were had-working inside men. McDermid and McLean were the pick of the visiting attack. From the inside positions they made many openings for the others, but generally met with a poor response. Love did not fit in well at outside left. Anderson, Cooper (Aberdeen), and Paterson scored for Cowdenbeath and Armstrong for Aberdeen.

Source: The Scotsman, 21st December 1931

Cowdenbeath won a convincing victory over Aberdeen in a strenuously contested game at Cowdenbeath. The home men displayed superior combination in the outfield and the forwards moved with fine precision. Aberdeen relied mostly on their speed and dash to carry them through, and this was easily countered by a solid Cowdenbeath defence which was sound in every department.
Cowdenbeath had a lucky escape when Russell cleared on the goal-line following a corner by Love. Anderson scored after 30 minutes, and Armstrong missed an easy chance to equalise. Cooper put his side further in arrears in the second half when he passed back to Smith who had left his charge, and the ball went through the empty goal. Two minute later Paterson scored a third goal for Cowdenbeath, and Anderson scored for the visitors.

Source: Glasgow Herald, 21st December 1931

DONS GO DOWN FIGHTING

Tragic Lapse Costs Full Points.

Beaten by three goals to one Aberdeen down fighting at Cowdenbeath. They were the under-dog in the first half, and were somewhat fortunate to be only one goal in arrears at the interval.
For the most part they had played a defensive role, and better shooting on the part of Cowdenbeath would have seen the Dons farther in arrears. As it was in the period the game was a duel between the home attack and the Aberdeen defence. Cowdenbeath had many well-conceived attacks, but invariably Cooper, Falloon, and McGill or Smith got rid of dangerous crosses from the wings and many close range shots were charged down.

Cowdenbeath Count

Cowdenbeath's first came after forty-two minutes' play. It was a well-conceived movement which left Anderson in possession just outside the penalty area, beating Smith all ends up.
Shortly afterwards Aberdeen might have equalised. Armstrong sending over from a few yards' range. Towards the interval, Aberdeen came away and McLean and Love went close with creditable efforts.
At half-time Cowdenbeath led deservedly by the only goal.

Defensive Lapses.

In the opening minutes of the second half Aberdeen's defence was in dire straits. Smith had brought off some fine saves until a misunderstanding in the Pittodrie defence gave Cowdenbeath a second goal. Cooper, who could have cleared, elected to pass back to his goalkeeper, evidently under the impression that the latter was in his goal.
As it happened Smith had gone to anticipate, and Cooper's pass went into an untenanted goal.
This reverse had an unsettling effect on Aberdeen, and before they had recovered Paterson beat Smith again, this time with a header from Hamil's cross.

Armstrong's Goal.

With the score 3-0 against them Aberdeen rallied, and from this stage until the finish kept up an incessant attack. A cleverly-conceived movement by McDermid resulted in Armstrong accepting an up-the-middle pass to shoot a great goal, and subsequently the centre-forward and McLean went close with good shots.
Aberdeen maintained a vigorous offensive and repeatedly shots were charged down by a clear-at-any-price defence which covered up well. Edwards was repeatedly in action with his fists to crosses from the wings, and he was always well covered by Frame and Menzies.

Outstanding Players

The end came with Aberdeen maintaining their attack, and they were just a little unfortunate in not securing at least another goal.
On the run of play Cowdenbeath deserved to win on their first half superiority. The second goal was the turning point of the game, but had Aberdeen been more incisive in their attack in the later period they must at least have drawn level.
Cowdenbeath were splendidly served by Edwards, Frame, and Menzies in defence, and their best attackers were Hamil and Venters. Aberdeen's best were Cooper (best back on the field), Ballantyne, McLean and Love.

Source: Press & Journal, 21st December 1931