Aberdeen 3 - 1 Celtic

A mere handful of spectators saw the opening of the friendly match between Aberdeen and Celtic. A strong breeze offset any attempt at bright football. Aberdeen, with the wind in their favour, kept Falconer busy, and after 23 minutes McLean scored direct from a corner. Celtic could make no headway against the strong wind, and but for the masterly display of Falconer, Aberdeen would have piled up a big lead.
It was expected that with the wind in their favour Celtic would soon be on level terms, but Aberdeen adapted themselves to the conditions, and in 21 minutes Beattie increased their lead. The Celtic gave a poor display, and it was only Aberdeen's due when Donald brought their total to three. Not long before the end O'Donnell scored Celtic's only goal.

Source: Edinburgh Evening News, 26th March 1932

With nothing at stake and only a small gallery (less than 3000 spectators) looking on, neither Aberdeen nor Celtic exerted themselves unduly in their friendly encounter at Pittodrie Park on Saturday. At the same time the game was up to the standard expected of friendlies, and there was some pretty play, most of which came from the home team, who well deserved their 3-1 victory.
With a boisterous wind behind them, Aberdeen penned the visitors iin their own half almost the whole of the first period, and even in the second half, fighting against the breeze, they took a far bigger share in attack than the Celts had done in similar circumstances.
Although it may not be fair to criticise such a match from the usual standards, the truth was that the visitors were but a shadow of the famous Celtic of past seasons.
Aberdeen showed more spirit and cohesion, and were always the more dangerous.

Players Who Shone

Smith, in the home goal, played a waiting vigil throughout almost the entire first half, and what he was called upon to do afterwards, he did confidently and well.
Cooper and McGill both played well, and Mooney, for the second Saturday in succession, was the best of the half-backs. Donald, at centre-forward, failed to accept several good chances. McLean and McDermid, on the left, were the better of the two wings.
For Celtic, falconer had a busy afternoon between the sticks, and could hardly be blamed for any of the goals registered against him.
The Glasgow eleven were well served by Morrison at left back, and McStay and Geatons. Forward, Napier was most prominent, although Kavanagh was good, but did not get enough of the ball.

From the kick-off Aberdeen set a lively pace, and almost counted right away when Falconer mistimed a Warnock cross, Donald heading against the post. Corners came the way of the Dons without result until after 23 minutes, McLean netted direct from a corner.
In a Celtic break away O'Donnell was left with only Smith to beat, but shot feebly into the 'keeper's hands. Aberdeen swarmed round the Celtic citadel, and although neither side were going all out, it must have been something of a relief for Falconer when the half-time whistle sounded without Aberdeen having increased their score.
Napier took the eye with some clever play soon after the resumption, but it was Aberdeen who scored first, Beattie being the marksman.
In another Aberdeen attack, initiated by McLean, Donald was left with practically an open goal, and made no mistake. Celtic rallied, and O'Donnell, in a solo effort, secured their one crumb of comfort.

Source: Press & Journal, 28th March 1932