Aberdeen 8 - 0 Ayr United

Aberdeen's victory by eight clear goals over Ayr United was thoroughly deserved. It was a good game throughout to watch, each team playing hard. There was no getting away from the enthusiasm of Armstrong, Aberdeen's active centre-forward, though every shot he sent in was not a counter. What the crowd of over 15,000 liked was his persistency in trying. And, after all, he did more than well with five of the eight goals. Benyon, the right winger, had two of the other goals, and the remaining one was obtained by Mills. What impressed many was the way in which the Aberdeen wing men exploited the long passing game, Benyon, the right winger, frequently sending the ball to Aberdeen's new left winger, Gall (Falkirk). Aberdeen's policy of persistent attack fully justified itself. Merrie, the Ayr United centre forward, still has many friends in Aberdeen, who in former years had watched his progress while playing at Pittodrie, and they were pleased at the way he tested the Aberdeen custodian on several occasions. He was well supported by McGrath and Rodger.

Source: The Scotsman, 14th August 1933

Armstrong's Five Against Ayr.

Aberdeen delighted their supporters by their brilliant opening victory over Ayr United at Pittodrie.

The home side revealed a pleasing touch of class from goal out, and the forwards in particular were in scintillating form.
Matt Armstrong had a real "joy day," scoring five of his side's eight goals. He has improved enormously since last season, and proved his claim to be first deputy for "Paddy" Moore, who has not yet fully recovered from his knee operation.
Mills delighted the crowd by displaying his best form. His inside play was a treat to watch. Beattie was quieter than usual but none the less effective.

Marked Improvement.

The transfer of Beynon from the left to the right touch-line and the introduction of Gall, the new man, at outside-left, made for a big improvement in the attack. Both wingers gave a fine exhibition of speedy, penetrative wing play.
Thomson, brought in at centre-half for Falloon, played well, and was always more conspicuous than his partners, Fraser and O'Reilly.
The defence was never stretched, but Steve Smith, in goal, frequently thrilled the crowd by spectacular saves.

Merrie the Best.

Merrie, the old Pittodrie centre, was the No. 1 man in a moderate Ayr team. He was best supported by McGrath and McGibbon, the latter a junior from Irvine Meadow.
Hepburn, in goal, shone in an overworked defence, and Currie was pick of a tireless half-back line.

Rapid Scoring.

It took Aberdeen nine minutes to open their account. Armstrong piloting the ball through after Hepburn had saved from Beynon.
After Merrie and McGrath had come within an ace of equalising, Beynon put the home lot two up - this after Gall had struck the post.
Then Armstrong and Beynon made the total four in quick succession, and just on the interval Mills let go a beauty, which found the net.
Armstrong lost no time on the restart. A Beynon cross landed on his head, and he nodded the ball home. The process was repeated a few minutes later, Armstrong on this occasion using his boot to score. Armstrong got the eighth and last, this time entirely on his own. he raced clean through the defence and netted with a glorious drive.

Source: Press & Journal, 14th August 1933