St. Mirren 3 - 0 Aberdeen

Former Ross County Man's Part in Dons' Defeat.

Two quick goals by McKenzie, the former Ross County leader, ten minutes from the finish made two priceless points secure for St Mirren on Saturday at Love Street.

The Paisley men were full value for their victory, although they were flattered by the score. With the relegation "bogey"' knocking at their door they took the field grimly determined, and they went wholeheartedly into their work from start to finish.

Speedy Team.

Their display against the Dons belied their lowly position on the League chart. They were a fast go-ahead side on Saturday, and although over-anxiety spoiled a number of chances they were always dangerous.
Every man played his part, but the chief honours go to Gebbie, Miller, and McKenzie.
Aberdeen's was not an impressive display. As a whole they were lifeless and unenterprising, and one gained the impression that some of the players had not recovered from Wednesday's gruelling Cup-tie with Hibernian.
The Dons' only sprightly period came after the scoring of the first goal, and it did not last long. Nevertheless, both Armstrong and Moore missed chances of levelling the score.

Missed Chances.

The centre shot past from good position following smart work by Ritchie Smith, and when Moore unexpectedly found himself in possession four yards from goal was so surprised he lifted the ball into McCloy's hands.
There was a slackness in the Aberdeen defence at times, and the forward line was lacking in penetrative power. Moore was the cleverest of the quintette, but he, too, faded away towards the close.
St Mirren were overdue a goal when they took the lead five minutes after the start of the second half. In the first period they failed to convert a penalty award. Knox left McKenzie in position, and with Smith beaten Falloon raced back to pull the ball down with hands.
Knox took the spot-kick in a hurry, and drove past.
Shortly afterwards the right winger was unlucky with a free kick just outside the penalty area, the ball striking the upright with terrific force.

Smart Goal.

Dowall's opening goal was a smart affair. He tore past a couple of defenders and smashed the ball into the net from a difficult angle. Ten minutes from the finish McKenzie ran the ball into the net, and two minutes later the Paisley centre raced through to land the ball in the net after Smith had left his charge.
Smith was not sure as in recent games, and although he had a number of smart saves, particularly a fast grounder from Knox in the first half, it appeared as if he might have prevented the first counter.
Although both Cooper and McGill remained cool in the face of St Mirren's fiercest attacks they had a gruelling afternoon against two sprightly wingers. McGill never got a really tight grip of the speedy Knox, who was one of Saints' most dangerous attackers.
Falloon did a lot of grand breaking up work, especially in the first period, but was caught off guard by McKenzie in the closing stages.

Wing Halves Good.

Thomson and Fraser, the wing halves, marked their men well, but the right half was less prominent a purveyor to his forwards than usual. Thomson, a hard grafter, took the honours in this department.
Moore, as already mentioned, was the best forward. He distributed the ball astutely, and was quick to try a dart through on his own. He seemed to tire towards the finish, however.
Aberdeen's new right wing formation did not strike up a happy combination.
Johnston got across some splendid centres, but finished weakly on occasion, and Donald, although probably the hardest worker afield, was lacking in guile.
Wilson shadowed Armstrong closely during the whole ninety minutes, and the centre got few opportunities. Ritchie Smith, on the extreme left, showed improved form. He appeared to have more confidence than previously.

Opportunist "Saints."

St Mirren's defence was not brilliant, but their first-time tackling proved disconcerting to the Aberdeen forwards.
McCloy, in goal, had a comparatively quiet time compared with Steve Smith, but he was always safe. Baird and Ancell were a strong pair of backs, while Gebbie and Miller gave a smart display of wing half play. They combined sound defensive work with clever and forceful attacking movements.
The honours in attack go to McKenzie and Knox. The former Highland League player was a dashing and dangerous leader, while Knox's speedy runs were always menacing.
Dowall, on the left, also showed enterprise, and Latimer and Smith were a hard-working inside pair.

Source: Press & Journal, 4th March 1935