Aberdeen 4 - 1 East Fife

Much Too Good For East Fife.

Although Cooper broke down early in the game and Love was forced to retire ten minutes from the finish, and Dickie also was also injured, Aberdeen had no difficulty in beating East Fife at Pittodrie by 4-1.
It was a game of few thrills, and although Aberdeen were easily superior they did not produce anything like their best form, and were really not extended.

Merrie Counts First.

Merrie opened the scoring after twelve minutes when McLean left him with little to do. Before that and subsequently the home forwards, and especially Merrie, lost several easy chances.
Aberdeen were shaken when in a breakaway by the Methil forwards, McLaren slipped and allowed McGauchie to score from close in.

McLean's Two.

After that, Aberdeen took a firmer grip, and McLean intercepted a Love shot that would have gone for a bye, and tipped the ball into the net. Shortly afterwards the same player essayed a shot from long range, and Bernard was again beaten.
At the interval Aberdeen led by 3-1, and had the forwards taken their chances the margin would have been greater.
East Fife played up pluckily in the second half when Aberdeen were handicapped, and the visitors gave Smith a few anxious moments.

Aberdeen Not Stretched.

On the whole, however, Aberdeen were not seriously troubled to keep their lead. The only goal of the period fell to McDermid, who dribbled through to easily beat Bernard from close in.
Aberdeen were not stretched to win. Smith was a very safe keeper, and Jackson acquitted, himself splendidly at back. Cooper, who pluckily carried on despite strained a muscle, was unable to tackle, but in the circumstances rendered useful service.

Success of Donald.

McLaren was a powerful pivot, and Black and Donald did splendidly on the wings. The success of the last named was one of the features of the game. McLean was the best forward on the field, and McDermid and Love were always prominent, but Merrie and Dickie were rather disappointing.
A poor East Fife team included no stars. Bernard was not at all confident in goal, and Gillespie was the better of two moderate backs. Of the half-backs, only McCurley took the eye, and the most effective of the forwards were Liddle and McGauchie.
There were 10,000 spectators.

Source: Press & Journal, 23rd February 1931