St. Mirren 1 - 4 Aberdeen

Success of Strauss and Dunlop

SOUTH AFRICAN'S TWO GOALS

Aberdeen's success at Paisley was as well deserved as it was decisive. They were the more polished and confident team, both in defence and attack, and never were they in any danger of defeat.

Perhaps the most pleasing feature of the game, from an Aberdeen point view, was the success attained by Strauss and Dunlop, who were making their debut in Scottish League football. Both gave promise of developing into first-class players. Strauss, who came from South Africa, was one of the outstanding successes, and his first goal was one of the highlights of the match.

Strauss Thrills Crowd

The Dons were seen at their best in the first half, but twenty-four minutes had gone before they opened their account. A terrific shot by Armstrong struck the underside of the crossbar and the ball rebounded behind McCloy before the 'keeper could gather it. The St Mirren player appealed, but the referee, after consulting one of the linesmen, allowed the goal to stand.
St Mirren fought back vigorously, but two minutes from the interval Strauss thrilled the crowd with a grand goal. Armstrong veered out to the right and crossed the ball knee high at a terrific pace, Strauss dashed in to meet it first-time, and sent it into the net with the force of a cannon-ball.
Mills had pulled a leg muscle in the first half, and after the interval he changed places with Strauss. This handicapped the Dons, but they were still definitely on top. The Saints were full of pep, however, and they were not slow to take advantage of a slip on the part of the Aberdeen defence.
The fault lay with Falloon, who attempted to pass back. Smith rushed from his goal in an effort to save the situation, but Ferguson managed to edge the ball to McGregor, who sent into the net.
This goal raised hopes of a home revival, but these were quickly extinguished by Armstrong who shot fiercely into the net after a try Beynon had been partially cleared. Five minutes later the centre broke through on the left, drew the defence, and slipped the ball to Strauss, who easily netted.
The South African should have completed his hat-trick when Wilson failed to clear and he was left with a clear run in on goal. He went too close to the keeper, however, and his shot was blocked.

Aberdeen's Sound Defence

The Aberdeen defence was sound and successfully countered St Mirren's persistent efforts to break through the middle. Steve Smith, in goal played well, and Cooper, a steady and resolute defender, was the best, back afield.
McGill was never comfortable against Ferguson, while Falloon at times lacked his usual nippiness. He may still have been feeling the effects of the injury received against Hibs.
In the absence of Fraser through injury, Dunlop filled the right-half berth with distinction. The former Benburb player was a fine, forcing half. He tackled strongly and distributed the ball smartly.
Thomson was a strong, aggressive left-half, and so well did he look after Knox, the St Mirren sharp-shooter, that he was never really dangerous.
The Dons' attack was clever and combined skilfully, but the old fault of trying to walk the ball into the net was again in evidence at times. Strauss and Beynon were a pair of dangerous raiders. The South African gives promise of becoming an asset to the attack. He has speed, crosses a good ball, and is not afraid to shoot.
Armstrong led the line with rare dash and unselfishness, and besides scoring two goals, played a prominent part in the two netted by Strauss. The Dons' leader must seriously be considered for a cap.
Even after he was injured, Mills got away some good passes, but McKenzie, although he worked hard, did little of note.

Too Stereotyped

St Mirren were an enthusiastic, go-ahead company, but their methods of attack were too stereotyped. They kept slinging the ball up the middle when it might have proved more profitable to utilise their wing men.
McCloy had no chance with the shots that beat him, and in a hard but over-worked defence Ancell played a strong game. The half-backs were for the most part too busy in defence to lend their forwards much assistance, and Miller was the most impressive of the trio.
The Saints' biggest weakness lay at inside forward, neither Knox nor McCamon proving effective.
The wing men, Ferguson and Gall, were often prominent. The outside right was the best home forward. Gall, who had a season with Aberdeen, would have been more dangerous against a less experienced back than Cooper.
McGregor was a fast and nippy leader, but he suffered from a lack of support.

Source: Press & Journal, 24th August 1936

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