Third Lanark 1 - 1 Aberdeen

CATHKIN GAME COULD HAVE BEEN SUNNY FIRST HALF

By Our Special Correspondent

Aberdeen might have won their Scottish League tie Park last night in the first half when Third Lanark had face blinding sunshine. Armstrong, absent with a swollen knee, was sadly missed.

The Cathkin defenders were obviously ill at ease in the glare and doubtless the brilliance of the autumnal sun had something to do with their sensational loss of a goal in thirty seconds.
The ball had just been set in motion when Nicholson slammed it down the centre. Carabine took it in charge and was escorting it towards his goalkeeper when Strauss joined in and running alongside the home defender managed to edge near enough the ball to give it a poke and send it wide of the goalkeeper into the net.
The international back looked a surprised and chagrined individual over this contretemps. Aberdeen players were jubilant and went into the fray with a gusto which should have yielded them at least one additional goal.

TAYLOR'S MISS

Strauss sped past the ponderous Bradshaw and cut the ball back to Taylor who blazed it over the bar.
An even more grievous miss occurred later. The Third Lanark left back, Johnstone, missed his kick, Smith darted past and swung the ball in front of the Warrior's goal, Taylor, however, failed to get his boot on the ball.
Over the entire Aberdeen front rank the finishing was not at all good and so we came to half time with only one goal between the teams.
Third's attack, by the way, had scarcely been dangerous this half due largely to some excellent work by Nicholson.
The sun had disappeared when the teams turned round and the second half was as largely in favour of Third Lanark as the first had been to Aberdeen.
The Dons were fortunate not to lose goal immediately on the resumption. In a fierce assault Johnstone had to rush out to save from Jones. Before he could return Watters had headed the ball towards the net.

NICHOLSON CLEARS

Nicholson, however, had fallen back and standing practically under the bar he headed the ball against this piece of woodwork off which it bounced on to a post and so to the ground where Adey frantically kicked clear.
Third's were generally heading towards the Aberdeen goal, but in one quick thrust Taylor should have made the points safe for Aberdeen. He side-stepped Bradshaw as neat as ninepence and then, with all the goal to shoot at, drove the ball past.
Third's pressure became severe after this and Aberdeen's defence was at times in difficulty. In a hot attack Graham was adjudged to tackle Jones illegally and from the penalty kick Carabine scored.
A draw was a perfectly just result. Without trying to discourage Taylor, who played nicely in the open, it may be said that Armstrong with his nimble touches and long experience could have won this game. Bradshaw was so ponderous there were chances there for the taking.

MASTERLY PLAY

By contrast Nicholson was masterly. He covered a wide area. I liked Graham. He has the makings of a good back. Johnstone was splendid in goal.
The forward line was no great shakes. They missed Armstrong's flicks to bind them together. To the defence is due the credit the draw.
Third Lanark were well served by their wing half-backs. Blair and Black, while attack Mason, Dewar, and Jones were good with the two wingmen just moderate.

Source: Press & Journal, 15th September 1938