Aberdeen 4 - 1 Falkirk

IS THOMSON ANSWER TO MANAGER'S LEFT-BACK PRAYER?

Considering that they were forced through injuries to field a shadow team against Falkirk at Pittodrie on Saturday, Aberdeen deserve every credit for their 4-1 victory.

Only Johnstone, Dunlop, and Thomson of the regular defence were on duty, and the last-named was playing at left back instead of left-half.
The game was far from being fast a classic. The exchanges were fast and keen, but there was little constructive football. The Dons were the more methodical and thrustful side.
Falkirk were a poor team. Their defence wavered under pressure and their attack moved in fits and starts and threatened little real danger.
Aberdeen had the better of matters in the first half, but it was six minutes from the interval before they opened their account. The goal came as the result of a misunderstanding between Nisbet and Wilson.

NIPPY WILLIAMS

Armstrong picked up a clearance by Thomson, and cutting out to the left sent the ball into the middle towards Williams, who had moved in. Nisbet reached the ball first, and when he attempted to pass back as Wilson left his charge. Williams nipped in between the pair to send into the net.
One minute from the half-time whistle came a second goal. Wilson failed to grasp a cross from Smith, and the ball fell between Armstrong and Hamilton. The inside right made up his mind first, and swept it past the 'keeper into the net.
Eight minutes after the restart Duffy handled in an Aberdeen attack, and the Dons were awarded a penalty. Thomson took the kick, but Wilson managed push the ball against the crossbar.
Falkirk were more lively this half, but their finishing was poor, and in twenty-six minutes Aberdeen increased their total. Armstrong made ground on the left, and with a neat pass gave McKenzie a chance, which the inside left was quick to accept.

FIRST-TIME GOAL

Two minutes later Falkirk opened their account. Keyes failed in an effort to break through, and lobbed the ball out to Carruthers. The outside right met it first-time, and sent it flying into the net.
Armstrong completed the scoring six minutes from the finish, but it was Hamilton who "made" the goal. The inside right gathered the ball near midfield, and cut his way through the Falkirk defence to finish with a terrific drive, which struck the crossbar. Armstrong netted from the rebound.
Aberdeen's defence played strongly. Johnstone in goal was a first-class 'keeper, and Thomson in the left back berth gave a sound display His tackling was effective, and his clearances well timed. Thomson may well provide a solution to the left back problem.
Donald played strongly at right back. He may lack craft, but he is energetic and plucky. Waddell. who deputised for Nicholson at centre half, made quite a promising appearance in the League side. He is hardly robust enough for First Division football yet, but has a sound positional sense, and should develop into a good half-back.

BEST FORWARD

Taylor is another reserve player who is improving. He was a sound if not brilliant left half.
Honours in attack go to Hamilton. The inside right was clever and dangerous, and spread play judiciously. Smith on the extreme right was fast, and showed clever ball control, but was not strong enough when it came to finishing.
Armstrong had a poor game. He took too long to get the ball under control, with the result that he was seldom dangerous. McKenzie put in a power of work at inside left, but marred his display by holding the ball too long. Williams was a clever left winger, but he must lose the habit of doubling back.
Falkirk gave a drab display. Wilson in goal had several good saves, but did not inspire confidence. Peat was the reliable back. The half-backs were too busy in defence to lend their forwards much support. Shankly played well, and Boult occasionally took the eye.
Keyes was a plucky leader, but received little support. Anderson, a former Aberdeen junior, showed some smart touches at inside left, but the line as a whole lacked cohesion and thrust.

Source: Press & Journal, 3rd October 1938