Clydebank 1 - 1 Aberdeen

About 5000 spectators were present at the Clydebank-Aberdeen match at Clydeholm. Clydebank opened well, but Aberdeen were as likely to score. From a breakaway after about 15 minutes Aberdeen scored. Thomson intercepted a clearance from Ferguson, and McTurk and he fell, but the forward managed to tip the ball home, though the point was only granted after the referee had consulted the linesman. Clydebank rallied, and after some ineffectual tries McLavin sent in a fine shot which Anderson could not reach. Play was not so strenuous in the second half, though towards the close both sides had some spirited tries for the lead. Paton and Goldie both missed for Clydebank, and Yule and Rankine strove, though ineffectively, to get full points for the North.

Source: The Scotsman, 4th October 1920

In what was always an interesting game, Aberdeen did well to share in a draw with Clydebank at Yoker, each side finding the net once. Fine weather conditions favoured the match, but the comparative non-success of the home team was reflected in the attendance, which numbered only 5000. Both teams showed changes. Clydebank had a rearranged front rank, and had McTurk in goal vice Morton, while Aberdeen had Hutton at right back, A. R. Grosert at left half, and Rankine at centre forward, with McLaughlin at inside left. The game throughout was very fast on a ground that was on the heavy side, and at times a high standard of play was touched. All the scoring was accomplished in the opening period, both goals being obtained in quick succession. McTurk and Anderson had both saved finely, and some tricky wing work had been countered by excellent defensive play, when Aberdeen opened their account at the end of 17 minutes. Rankine gained possession, but was tackled by Ferguson, who failed get the ball away properly, and passed into the possession of Thomson, who adroitly slipped the ball past McTurk, who left his goal to intercept. Th referee hesitated before confirming the point, evidently being of opinion that Thomson had been in an offside position, but after consulting both linesmen the official allowed the goal. Aberdeen played up in great style after this success, and Thomson and McLaughlin in succession were unfortunate in hit the ball against the woodwork of McTurk's goal. After their own defence had survived persistent attacks by Aberdeen, Clydebank retaliated strongly and after the ball had been cleared and blocked several times, McLavin gave the Aberdeen goalkeeper no chance with the equalising goal, the home team only having been seven minutes in arrears. But for a brilliant save by Anderson at the expense of a corner Clydebank would have taken the lead. Towards the interval there was some sparkling play by Yule on the Aberdeen left, add although the home defence were none too accurate in their clearances, they were able to keep their goal intact, for the teams to cross over on level terms.

Yule's Cleverness.

With both sides striving hard for the lead, the play in the second half was not quite so accurate as it had been earlier, but the game never flagged in interest. Most of the danger to the home goal came from Yule on the Aberdeen left. Fulton, the Clydebank inside right, was hurt in collision, and had to be carried off, but he quickly returned. Aberdeen were the more aggressive side, but their finishing was none too good. Several times Rankine all but through and on one occasion McTurk was fortunate in being able to dispossess Yule close to the goal. Middleton at outside right for Aberdeen, was injured, and his consequent inability to show his usual sprightliness detracted from the effectiveness of the attack. The feature of the half was the concerted play of both sets of defenders against clever forwards. So far as actual pressure went Aberdeen might have won, but everything considered, a draw did justice to both teams.

About the Players.

On the Aberdeen side Anderson was the essence of reliability in goal, and has several clever saves. Forsyth was the better back, but Hutton also well and was more judicious than in recent games. All three half-backs gave an excellent, account of themselves, none better than A. R. Grosert. Nippy and very tricky, and varying his play delightfully, Yule was the most prominent of the forwards, playing one of his best games. Rankine distributed play well at centre forward and worried the opposing defence, but is to be preferred at inside left. Middleton, who was obviously unfit, was unable to do himself justice. Thomson and McLaughlin, in the inside position, carried through some clever individual movements. They plied their wingers well but did not give sufficient support to Rankine at centre forward.
In the Clydebank game, McTurk acquitted himself well, and took his side out of some trying situations. After an indifferent start, Stevenson and Ferguson played well at back, even if the first named never really equal to coping with Yule. Neish and Lawson performed creditably at half-back, and their most 'dangerous forward was the diminutive McLavin. Cameron played a dashing game at centre-forward, but was generally well held by Milne, and for the first time since becoming a senior he failed to score.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 4th October 1920