Dunfermline Athletic 4 - 3 Aberdeen

Weakness at half-back was mainly responsible for Aberdeen's failure against the Eastern Section League leaders at East End Park on Saturday.

The mid-line trio could not cope with the dashing Dunfermline forwards.
The Fifers deserved the points. They were a team of triers, and employed first-time tactics.
The Dons were not impressive. The half-backs played well below form, and the forwards were disjointed and lacked snap. Only three Aberdeen players distinguished themselves.
Cooper, although opposed to the best forward on the field in Dougan, was generally cool and reliable. Johnstone in goal brought off a number of brilliant saves, although he may have been at fault when Dunfermline got their third goal.

SMITH STARVED

Smith was the on y forward who was dangerous, but unfortunately he was starved for long periods.
Dunfermline perhaps lacked polish, but they have any amount of pluck and enthusiasm. They were well served in defence by Hogg, Barnes and Hart. Dougan, the right winger, was outstanding.
Callan and Johnston the left-wing pair were a smart combination.

SOFT EQUALISER

Aberdeen unexpectedly took the lead after nine minutes. Smith evaded Hynds and sent the ball out to Williams who, lying unmarked, sent into the net. The equaliser was a somewhat "soft" affair. A grand drive by Wilson rebounded off the crossbar.
Johnston mishit the ball, but the Aberdeen keeper, in turning to go for it slipped, and it rolled over the line.
Smith restored the Dons' lead early in the second half when he ran through a cross from Christie. Callan put the teams on level terms when he deflected a try by Barnes into the net.

BEATTIE'S FINE GOAL

Dunfermline went ahead through Brown, who caught Johnstone napping with a fierce drive following a corner kick. When Callan made the home total four after clever play by Dougan the game was won nd lost, but Beattie headed a splendid third goal for Aberdeen from a cross from Smith in the closing stages.

Source: Press & Journal, 13th November 1939