Aberdeen 1 - 0 St. Mirren

McMahon in Saints' Goal Keeps Score Down. Aberdeen scored a deserved though narrow victory over St Mirren at Pittodrie. The Dons held a big territorial advantage throughout, and had they accepted all their chances would have retired with a much more substantial lead at the finish.

Brilliant goalkeeping by McMahon was a big factor in the Dons' lack of success when it came to goal-scoring, but at the same time the weak finishing of the inside forwards also played its part. In the outfield the Aberdeen forwards at times played delightful football. The ball went from man to man in fine style, but they made the mistake of taking the ball inside the penalty area in close formation, and the resultant overcrowding did not make for openings. In fact, it played right Into the hands of the Paisley defence, which tackled keenly throughout.

Visitors Lucky.

Although the Love Street defence, and especially McMahon, are due credit for a grand display, it must be admitted that luck was with them on occasion. There were two outstanding occasions when Dame Fortune came to the rescue of the Paisley team when all seemed lost. The first was in the first half when Mills shot first time after an Armstrong try had rebounded off a defender. The ball was going straight for the corner of the net, well out of McMahon's reach, when up shot Tulip's foot to deflect it for a corner. Then in the second period McMahon fell on a fast grounder from Fraser and the ball squirmed out of his hands to roll slowly over the bye-line near the post. On the other hand, St Mirren can point to that escape of Aberdeen's just after they had taken the lead. Falloon slipped going to tackle Knox, and the Paisley leader raced down the middle to smash the ball against the crossbar with 9mlth out of his charge.

Armstrong's Goal.

It took Aberdeen sixty-three minutes to score. Falloon lobbed a free kick into the penalty area, and in the resultant scrimmage Armstrong found the ball at his foot. The centre did not hesitate and smashed it into the net. The goal just arrived at the right time. The crowd had been cheering the Dons, but just prior to the scoring of the goal they were beginning to lose patience at their team's lack of success. This point gave the Dons confidence, and but for the brilliance of McMahon they would undoubtedly have increased their advantage. The Paisley Saints were game to the end, and in the closing minutes a mazy run by Stoddart had the Dons defence rattled. Aberdeen have now broken the Ice, both at home and away, and they may do better now but there will have to be a big improvement in the finishing the inside forwards. Beynon and Smith (R.) were the pick of the Aberdeen forwards, and neither was afraid to shoot. The right winger was the most dangerous attacker afield, and this despite the fact that he was opposed to a grand back in Ancell. Smith showed that he was a strong and dangerous shot, and although inclined to become a trifle excited at times, he is improving. Mills was clever on the ball and tried hard to open up play, but he gave his own partner too little of the ball. Warnock worked hard to make openings, but found his lack of weight a handicap, while Armstrong, a hard-working leader, was given few chances, so well was he guarded by Wilson.

Wing Halves Improve.

The Aberdeen wing halves were more impressive than the Paisley pair. There was an improvement in their constructive work, and the forwards had little to complain of so far support from behind was concerned. Falloon was a sound defensive pivot. He had many teethy duels with the fast-moving Knox, but the Irishman more than held his own. The Dons were sound defence. Smith in goal had an easy time, and Cooper and McGill gave the Paisley attack few chances. Both tackled keenly and kicked strongly. Hats off to McMahon, the outstanding player in the St Mirren team! He performed miracles in the Paisley goal, and was deserving of the great ovation he received at the finish. Time and again he came to the rescue of his side. He got splendid support from Tulip and Ancell, a pair of strong-tackling and never-say-die backs. Wilson, at centre-half, confined himself to defence, and a right good job he made of it, too. McCabe and Miller, the wing halves, never got a grip of the Pittodrie attack, with the result that they were able to give their own forwards little support. Knox was the best of the Paisley attackers. A dashing and dangerous leader, he suffered from lack of support. The inside forwards, McGregor and Urquhart, did little of note, but Stoddart often threatened danger, and Latimer, too, took the eye at times.

Source: Press & Journal, 15th October 1934