Aberdeen 4 - 1 Dundee

DUNDEE "CANUTES" FAIL TO STOP TIDE OF DONS' VICTORIES

MARSH THE HERO FOR DUNDEE

DONS THE BETTER ALLROUND TEAM

Will Aberdeen lead the League this afternoon? That is the question that is occupying the minds of the fans in Aberdeen and the north of Scotland.

The Dons easily accounted for Dundee on Saturday, and, providing they overcome Hamilton Accies this forenoon at Pittodrie, they will take the leading position.
For sixty minutes on Saturday Dundee defied the Dons, and, during that period, Marsh, the Dark Blues' 'keeper gave a brilliant display! Time and again his uncanny anticipation prevented Aberdeen from going ahead.
There was an air of confidence about the homesters, however, and in face of their repeated onslaughts the Dundee defence faltered and was swept aside.

Team Work Crowned

Three goals were scored by Armstrong in less than twenty minutes, and these came, not as result of individual efforts, but were the reward of team-work.
It was a keen, hard-fought game, and although it was marked by numerous fouls, none of these were of an unsavoury character. There is no denying that victory went to the better team.
The Dons were sounder in defence and the attack showed more craft and understanding than that of Dundee.
The Dens Parkers have to thank Marsh in no small measure for the fact that the margin of Aberdeen's victory was not bigger.

Visitors Take the Lead

Although Dundee had frequent raids at the start, Aberdeen always appeared the more dangerous side, and it came as something of surprise when the visitors took the lead after twenty-five minutes' play.
Macnaughton gathered a pass from Robertson, eluded Gavin, and slipped the ball along the ground for Phillips to turn it into the net.
In thirty-seven minutes persistent pressure by the Dons was rewarded when Lang found the net in a terrific goal-mouth scrimmage.

Armstrong's Hat-Trick

Seventeen minutes after the start of the second half Aberdeen took the lead, Armstrong netting from an up-the-middle pass from Mills. Two minutes later Armstrong jumped to head a well-placed Beynon cross past Marsh.
The fourth goal, scored in thirty-four minutes, came as the result of a brilliant dribble by Mackenzie. The inside-right carried the ball right through before parting to Armstrong, who was left with nothing to do but slip the ball into the net.

Not a Weak Link

There was not weak link in the Aberdeen defence. Westland in goal had a comparatively quiet time compared with Marsh, but he seemed to be more confident than against Airdrie the previous Saturday.
Cooper completely subdued Kirby, Dundee's left-wing "flyer," who has rarely been seen to less advantage. There were many teethy duels between McGill and Robertson, but honours more or less rested even.
Aberdeen need have no worries in regard to the centre-half position so long as they have a reserve pivot of the calibre of Gavin. For the second week in succession he made a capable deputy for Falloon.
Thomson was the better wing-half, combining sound defensive tactics with enterprise in attack. Fraser showed improvement on recent displays, and engendered the hope that he is returning to something like his best form.

Lang Impresses

The attack never revealed the sparkle of that remarkable twenty minutes at Airdrie, but showed no lack of understanding.
The star was Lang. He had the beating of Rennie, and his fast runs and accurate crosses often had the Dundee goal in danger.
Armstrong was quick to take his chances and distributed play well, while in Mackenzie he had a brainy inside-right.
Mills was good and bad in patches. He showed some fine touches and was unfortunate with his shooting. Twice - once in each half - only the woodwork prevented him from counting. Beynon tried hard, but was generally well held by Richards.

Dundee's Best

Marsh was the hero of the defence. Richards gave a sound display at left back, while, in a hard-working but by means brilliant halfback line, Smith took the honours.
Robertson was the best Dundee forward, although Phillips also played well at times. Coats gave the impression that, given better support, he might have been more dangerous.

Source: Press & Journal, 23rd September 1935