Aberdeen 2 - 0 Falkirk

The Bairns from Brockville came to Pittodrie, hoping to take at least one point from their relegation-haunted fellow sufferers. A disappointing crowd of 7,000 was a reflection on Aberdeen's poor form as they strove to gain a Christmas bonus of both points. Play began slightly earlier than scheduled and Jim Forrest scored at 3 o'clock after 90 seconds of action. From a poor clearance by Rennie, Jim Whyte sent the ball goal-wards and Forrest was past Markie in a flash to leave Rennie helpless. This was the start the Dons wanted in this vital game. Falkirk were not discouraged and Ernie McGarr saved a good shot by Marshall. Soon after the same plaver tested McGarr with an awkward lob.
The visitors kept up the pressure and McGarr grabbed McLaughlan's header from a Young cross. When Watson was about to pull the trigger he was well tack¬led by Whyte and shortly afterwards Watson skied the ball over the bar. Aberdeen managed to break free and Forrest went close to scoring. Jens Petersen sent Dave Johnston clear but George Murray could not control his pass. McGarr did well to clear when Ally Shewan's pass-back was short and, when the left back made another blunder, Whyte, came to the rescue. Aberdeen began to re-assert themselves and Rennie saved the Bairns when Martin Buchan nearly scored from Whyte's cross. On the hard pitch it was not easy for players to keep their balance or control the ball. Towards the interval the home team began to dominate and threaten Rennie's goal. He had a brilliant save from Johnston, the stocky former Nairn County player, who could certainly "pack a punch" in his shots. In 43 minutes Aberdeen made it 2-0 when a low cross was "dummied" by Buchan for Johnston to race in and score. Just on the whistle Jimmy Smith's effort was brilliantly saved by Rennie.

Because of the treacherous ground conditions several Falkirk players had changed their boots and the first person to fall in the second half was Buchan as he shaped to move for a Murray pass. Shewan and Lambie were both penalised and spoken to bv the referee for reckless tackles on the slippery surface. In a quick burst of pressure by the visitors, Whyte, Shewan and Tommy McMillan all cleared dangerous situations. A long through ball by Johnston, caused trouble but the speedy Forrest, hampered by Miller, shot off target. From an accurate Watson cross McLaughlan headed tamely into McGarr's hands and then Gibson finished badly after scampering down the wing. Play was now flowing from end to end as Falkirk tried to get back into the game and the Dons sought the "cushion" of a third goal. Smith twice baffled the visitors' defence with neat flicks but Forrest failed to take advantage of them. Full back Shewan came surging through and unleashed a spectacular shot which missed narrowly Aberdeen were now the dominant side but they were lucky in a Falkirk breakaway when McGarr, lying on the ground, kicked away a Young shot. The crowd became restless at the lack more goals and Smith was the targe the "boo boys". The game petered into a tame, but important, win for Dons.

Source: Match Programme, 7th January 1995