Partick Thistle 0 - 2 Aberdeen

Superior Confidence and Cohesion

Aberdeen finished good winners of a sternly-contested game against Partick at Firhill. Only occasionally did they reveal glimpses of that brilliant football which has made them one of the most talked-of teams in Scotland, but they always gave the impression that, had it been necessary, they could have pulled out a little bit extra.

Saturday's was their fifth victory this season, and their third on opponents' grounds, and their challenge for League honours seems likely to be of an even more serious nature than last season.
Partick Thistle proved themselves dour fighters, but they went down to a team that displayed more confidence and cohesion. Thistle had their share of the play, but their attack never succeeded in getting the better of a solid Aberdeen defence.

Strauss Opens Account

The Dons took the lead after thirty-six minutes' play, and Mills was the instigator of the movement which brought the goal. He carried the ball up the left before parting to Scott. The centre was closely attended by Elliot, but managed to get the ball away to Strauss, who cut in to beat Johnstone with a terrific shot.
Previous to this the South African had almost opened the scoring with another express delivery which struck the post. The second goal came five minutes after the start of the second half. In attempting to break through, Scott was fouled by Sutherland just outside the penalty area, and Mills sent the free kick into the roof of the net well out of the 'keeper's reach.
Following this second counter for the Dons, the crowd got little to enthuse over. Partick Thistle fought desperately to open their account, while Aberdeen seemed content with their lead.
There were only two incidents of note. The first, when Strauss raced away from a McKenzie pass, eluded the 'keeper who had rushed from his charge, and then sent past an empty goal.
The other thrill came at the Aberdeen end. Smith came out of his goal in a vain effort to beat Wallace to the ball, and the centre's lob was entering the net when McGill breasted the ball down and cleared.

Dons Sound Defence

One the features the game was the general soundness and clever positional play of the Aberdeen defence. Smith was a safe 'keeper, but, thanks to the clever covering up by Cooper, McGill and Falloon, he was seldom seriously tested.
Cooper has played consistently since the season opened, and on Saturday was again a polished defender. McGill adopted safety tactics, kicking into touch when danger threatened, while Falloon was always prominent and kept a good grip of Wallace.
Thomson and Dunlop were seen to best advantage In a destructive capacity, the left half occasionally took part In the attacking movements. Armstrong was missed in attack. Scott was a willing and energetic leader, but he lacked Armstrong's positional sense and his ability to hold the line together.
Mills was the star forward. His clever ball control and quickness to size up the situation before parting with the ball made him the most valuable forward afield.
Strauss, although more subdued than usual, was ever dangerous in possession despite the heavy and greasy nature of the ground. The South African certainly adds punch to the line. His goal on Saturday was his fourth in three League matches. Beynon was a speedy and enterprising right winger, and he had a hard-wording partner in McKenzie, who combined defence and attack cleverly.
McMenemy, the team's latest capture from Motherwell, received an injury in a collision with Thomson early on, and this proved something of a handicap.
The defence did not Inspire confidence. Johnstone kept a good goal, but Elliot was weak at right back and Calderwood at times seemed a trifle slow.
Sutherland was outstanding in defence, although Baigrie, the former Woodside player, played a strong game at right half.

Source: Press & Journal, 7th September 1936