Heart of Midlothian 2 - 0 Aberdeen

Bad Luck Does Not Explain It All

WEAKNESSES IN DEFENCE

While bad luck played a part, it does not entirely explain Aberdeen's failure at Tynecastle on Saturday. There were weaknesses in defence, and the attack, although smart in the outfield, never succeeded in piercing Hearts' defensive armour.
It must he admitted that the forward line was handicapped. Beynon pulled a muscle behind his right knee about ten minutes after the start, and although he pluckily carried on his inability to give of his best had an unbalancing effect on the attack. In an effort to improve matters he and Strauss changed places in the second half, but it made no material difference.
The defence was never comfortable in face of the spirited Hearts attacks, and if Aberdeen intend to renew their bid for honours this department of the team must be strengthened.

Defensive Blunder

The opening goal, scored twenty-three minutes after the start, was the result of a defensive blunder. Falloon gathered a ball from the right, but, harassed by opponents, sent back to Steve Smith. The 'keeper appeared to have the ball safe, but, charged by Walsh, he dropped it, and the centre sent into the net.
The Aberdeen players appealed strongly for offside when Hearts scored their second goal eight minutes later, but the referee remained adamant. Smith could only knock down a shot by Black, and the ball went out to the right. Munro sent it into the middle, and Black netted from close range.
The Aberdeen forwards, especially the inside trio, served up some clever football, but Dykes, ably assisted by Anderson and McClure, usually succeeded in breaking up their attacks before real danger threatened. The Dons were decidedly unfortunate not to open their account near the interval, however. Strauss made ground on the left and sent the ball across to Beynon, who, lying unmarked, shot for goal. The ball seemed certain to enter the net when Waugh shot out a foot to bring off a lucky save.
Aberdeen fought desperately hard to open their account in the second period, during which they were inclined to rely on sheer strength and forcefulness rather than skill. These tactics proved no more successful than the first, half methods, although there were times when the home defence was hard pressed.
Hearts were by no means entirely on the defensive during this period, and, with a little steadiness at close quarters, might have increased their lead.

Unimpressive Defenders

Hearts' advantage lay in defence. Although Smith made only one mistake he did not inspire confidence, and Cooper and Dunlop in front of him were not particularly impressive. There was a lack of fire about the right back's play, and there were times when Warren caused him a good deal of trouble.
Dunlop improved after a shaky start, and did fairly well under the circumstances, but he was obviously playing out of position. His tackling was fairly sound, but his kicking was weak.
Falloon's play was not up to the usual standard, and he was not the same dominating personality as Dykes in the opposing team.
Both Fraser and Thomson worked tremendously hard, but they were opposed to smart inside forwards in Black and Walker, and were kept busy trying to hold them in check. Fraser was the more successful.
In the second period Thomson received a cut below the left eye in collision with Robson and at the finish of the match two stitches had to be inserted in the wound.
McKenzie was one of the most prominent forwards on the field, yet there were others more effective. Time and again the Dons' inside right carried the ball through by clever footwork, but usually his efforts were wasted by his inability part to advantage.

Armstrong Mastered

Although Mills was not so effective as against Rangers he engineered many of the attacking movements. Seldom has Armstrong been seen to less advantage. He tried all his tricks in a vain effort to shake off Dykes, but it was in vain.
Strauss worked hard at both outside left and outside right to find a chance to deliver one of his "specials," but he never succeeded. He was effectively held by the opposing defence. Beynon was in sprightly mood until he was injured. It is doubtful if the Welshman will be fit to take his place against Clyde this week.
Outstanding in an excellent Hearts' defence as Dykes, the centre-half. He played a big part in the checking of the Aberdeen attack, and is a young player of great promise. Waugh was a sound 'keeper, and received splendid protection from Anderson and McClure. The right back gave a polished display and McClure became quietly effective after a shaky start.
Robson and Miller were a pair of useful wing halves, who kept in touch with their forwards.
Black, a strong, forceful inside forward, was the most dangerous of the home quintette. Walker was clever on the ball, but his play did not attain brilliant heights, and Walsh, although displaying any amount of dash, was a trifle lacking in guile.
Warren and Munro on the extreme wings were a mixture of good and bad. One minute they were clever and dangerous, and the next they were slow and ineffective.

Source: Press & Journal, 16th November 1936