Match Report

Source: Press & Journal, 2nd January 1933

Aberdeen are earning something of a reputation as the “bogey” team of championship aspirants. At Fir Park on Saturday they pleasantly surprised their supporters by defeating Motherwell by the odd goal in five, thus inflicting on the champions their second home defeat in three years. The Dons fully deserved their success at Motherwell, where the home team were never allowed to settle to their usual methodical game. In fact, but for the defensive blunders which resulted in a brace of “soft” goals, the champions would have been well beaten.

Aberdeen failed to take full advantage of strong wind in the first half, and only led by a single goal at the interval. During this period the champions shaped quite well, especially in the outfield, and it did not appear by any means beyond their capabilities to pass the Dons’ score.

Two in Fifteen Minutes

It was expected that little would be seen of the Aberdeen attack in the second half, but the Pittodrie combine showed their fighting qualities by counting twice in the first fifteen minutes.

The homesters were badly shaken, but fortune smiled on them. McGill, in attempting to pass back to Smith, put the ball in the net, and one minute later the ‘keeper dropped the ball in a goalmouth scrimmage, and Moffat netted. Stimulated by this slice of luck, the For Parkers redoubled their efforts and Aberdeen were sore pressed at times to hold their single goal lead. “Paddy” Moore is due much of the credit for Aberdeen’s victory. The diminutive Irishman was in great form, finding the net twice and making the opening for McDermid to score the third goal.

Love showed his best form of the season so far at outside-right. He gave Ellis a lot of trouble and his crosses were always dangerous. Beattie did not reveal his best form, and the exchanges were too robust for Adam to shine. McDermid, after a mediocre display at outside-left in the first half, showed greatly improved form in the second half, and his experience proved invaluable when the Dons were hard pressed.

Fraser Shines

The half-backs had a fairly good afternoon. Fraser was the best of the trio, and along with Cooper gave the Stevenson-Ferrier combination few opportunities to work their wiles. Smith, in goal, gave a first-class display, but McGill, although a hard-working back, was never at ease. Cooper played well.

The champions were best served in defence by McClory, Dowall, and Ellis, but the latter, who was inclined to be over-robust, collapsed shortly before the finish, and had to be assisted from the field. Wales was the best of the middle men, and McFadyen proved himself to be a fast and dangerous leader, but he was well watched by Falloon.

Aberdeen were, if anything, the more dangerous combine in the opening half, but half-an-hour had elapsed before Moore gave them the lead with a clever goal. The centre accepted a pass from the right, and hooked it into the net before the home defence knew what had happened.

Masterful Moore

Seven minutes after the restart Moore gave the champions another shock. He fastened on to a ball out on the left, cut across to beat Dowall, and drawing McClory from his charge, calmly planked the ball in the net. Motherwell retaliated strongly, and were unlucky when a shot by Wales struck the woodwork. Then came an Aberdeen rally. Moore gained possession in the penalty area, but harassed by defenders he cleverly slipped the ball back to McDermid, who made no mistake. With twenty-six minutes gone Motherwell netted twice, and strove all they knew to save a point, but it was not to be, and Aberdeen retired deserving winners.

Facts

Highlights