Celtic 3 - 0 Aberdeen

Half-Backs Give Weak Display.

NEW CENTRE SHOWS PROMISE.

While It was not expected that Aberdeen would triumph at Parkhead, it was hoped that they would force a draw with the redoubtable Celtic.

For the first thirty minutes of the game Aberdeen looked if they might hold their own, but after this Celtic were in the ascendancy. However, it was not until the closing minutes that the homesters, increased their 1-0 interval lead to three.
It should be noted that Aberdeen were severely handicapped in the second period, in the early part of which Cooper had his leg badly wrenched.
Celtic were the better team all over and fully deserved their victory. Aberdeen's weakness lay at half-back. Falloon was fairly good in defence, but was rarely seen in an attacking capacity. The wing halves failed to hold their respective wings in check, and never struck an understanding with their forwards. On the afternoon's showing Dickie was better than Fraser.
McDermid and Beattie at inside-left and right respectively did not impress, but this was probably due in some measure to the lack of support from behind. Love and McLean were most prominent in attack. The ex-Celtic winger was especially sprightly in the first period, when he had several good runs and crosses.

Moore Impresses.

Moore, Aberdeen's new centre from Ireland, although badly supported, was quick and clever and gave the impression that with the necessary support he would be dangerous. Smith gave a grand display in goal, and had no chance with the shots that beat him. Cooper and McGill were a steady and sound pair of backs until the former was injured.
Celtic were strongest at half-back, where Wilson, McStay, and Geatons gave a clever display. It was largely due to their support of the men in front that Celtic triumphed.
The homesters were sound in defence, while in attack McGrory and A. Thomson were most dangerous. Scotland's centre demonstrated that he is fully recovered from the injury that proved so troublesome last season.

Play Described.

Aberdeen made a promising start, and it was Celtic who were on the defensive during the opening minutes. Moore twice made attempts, and his second, a back-heeler from a Dickie slip, almost found the mark.
With twelve minutes gone, however, the game turned in Celtic's favour, and from a through pass from R. Thomson, McGrory beat Falloon and McGill to open the scoring.
Aberdeen retaliated vigorously, and clever play by the McDermid-McLean wing saw Kennoway bring off a great save from the former.
The homesters quickly took play to the other end, where, after R. Thomson had shot over, Smith brought off a brilliant save from McGrory. Celtic maintained the offensive, and R. Thomson shot against the post, while Smith did well to hold a drive from A. Thomson.
Several Aberdeen raids were beaten back without Kennoway being called into action. Near the interval Smith again distinguished himself with clever saves from R. Thomson and McGrory.

Cooper Injured.

Early in the second period disaster overtook Aberdeen, Cooper being injured, and when he resumed he was limping badly.
McLean made a great individual effort for Aberdeen, but after beating three men his shot was blocked.
Celtic had the better of the subsequent exchanges, and Smith was continually in action. There was a remarkable incident at this stage. Cameron broke away the Celtic left and shot against the crossbar. The ball rebounded into play, but the referee immediately signalled a goal, and it was only after a strong protest by the Aberdeen players that he consulted the linesmen and changed his decision.
Six minutes from the end Celtic went further ahead. Smith ran out to block a sure counter by McGrory, but the ball glanced off his knee to Cameron, who banged it into an empty goal. In the closing minutes McGill handled in the Aberdeen penalty area, and from the spot kick Napier increased Celtic's lead to three.

Source: Press & Journal, 15th August 1932