Albion Rovers 1 - 1 Aberdeen

Lack of thrust on the part of both forward lines was the feature of the Albion Rovers - Aberdeen clash at Coatbridge.
Had either attack possessed a first-class marksman they would have won. As it was, neither deserved to gain the points, and a division was a fair result.

The Rovers held a territorial advantage, but they could not turn it into goals. A high wind spoiled the game to some extent, but this does not altogether account for the lack of thrills.
It was a hard game, with only occasional bright patches. Aberdeen seemed content to concentrate on defence so long as they were on level terms.
With the advantage of the wind in the first period, Rovers had slightly the better of matters, but it was in the second half, when they had to face the breeze, that they were seen to best advantage.

Fatal Tactics

In the opening forty-five minutes they were inclined to bunch in the goalmouth, and these tactics proved fatal against a sound Aberdeen defence.
Aberdeen unexpectedly took the lead in thirty-three minutes. A Benyon cross rebounded off R. Beath's leg and spun out of 'keeper Crosskey's hands to Armstrong, who tapped it into the net.
After the cross-over the Rovers started to swing the ball, and their change of tactics brought reward in nineteen minutes, when Lyon hooked an Anderson lob into the net.
Although on the defensive for the most part, Aberdeen had several dangerous raids, any of which might have brought a goal had the finishing of the forwards been reliable.
A draw, however, was not a bad result from an Aberdeen point of view. The Rovers' direct, bustling style of play will upset lots of teams, and provided they can improve the finishing if the forwards they will finish nearer the top of the table than the bottom.

Dons' Attack Weak

Aberdeen were the better football combination, but as a result of their defensive tactics too little was seen of the attack.
Smith, in the Aberdeen goal, was the busier 'keeper, and he acquitted himself well.
One save in particular is worth recalling. It was in the first half. Lyon got his head to a cross from the right, and the ball was entering the net, when Smith dived sideways to deflect it round the post.
While the Albion Rovers' attack was admittedly weak, it must not be overlooked that the Aberdeen defence was at the top of its form.
Cooper and McGill fought strongly all through, and were generally admitted to be two of the soundest club backs that have been seen at Cliftonhill this season.
Falloon was a tower of strength in defence. Time and again he broke up home attacks, and he never gave J. Beith a chance.
Fraser and Thomson, the wing halves, were seen to best advantage in defence. They rarely assumed the role of aggressors.
Smith and Benyon, on the wings, were Aberdeen's most consistent raiders, but both lacked finishing power.
Smith is improving, but he missed a chance iin the first half, when he shot past from a Benyon cross. Had he steadied himself the chances are he would have scored. Benyon missed two chances in the second half.

Too Far Back

Both Mills and Warnock showed cleverness but were inclined to lie too far back with the result that they were seldom up in time to participate in the attacking movements.
Armstrong was a lively leader. he showed clever touches, but did not get the best of support.
Crosskey, in the Rovers' goal, was none too impressive, but no fault could be found with the play of Waddell and R. Beath. Th elater gave a fine display.
Browning, at left-half, was the most effective half-back, and was the most polished player in the side.
Bruce found Armstrong difficult to hold, and Liddle was seldom prominent.
Lyon took the honours in attack. He was clever on the ball, and was willing to shoot. Donnelly, his partner, did well at times, but neither J. Beath, Anderson, nor Barclay did anything of note.

Source: Press & Journal, 29th October 1934