St. Mirren 1 - 1 Aberdeen

Following upon their cup tic victory at Kilmarnock on Saturday, the Aberdeen team visited Paisley and did well to divide the Scottish League points with St Mirren, each team coring once. On the run of the game Aberdeen fully merited their point; indeed injustice would have been done St Mirren had the verdict gone to the Pittodrie side, who accounted for the greater share of the pressure. The performance of the Pittodrie team was enhanced by reason of the fact that Hutton sustained an injury in the first half, which necessitated his appearing in the forward line in the second period. St Mirren were at full strength and Aberdeen showed one change from their cup tie team, Robertson taking MacLachlan?s place at left half.

How the Play Ruled.

A small attendance witnessed a sensational start. Aberdeen kicked off, and Middleton, getting possession passed accurately to MacDonald. The centre lofted the ball over Toole's head and it landed in the back of the net, the Saints' keeper being completely deceived by its flight.
This early setback for the Saints had the effect of stimulating play. Lawson executed a clever piece of play, and after eluding the backs, he brought Anderson to his knees in an effort to save. Anderson cleared, but only partially, and the ball went over to Halliday, who was lying unmarked. Saints' left winger drove with terrific force, and the ball hit the outside of the net. Pressure on the Aberdeen goal continued for the first twenty minutes.
Aberdeen's defence was too good for Saints' attack. The fault of the Paisley forwards was that they were too excited, and in the keenness to equalise they frequently threw away possible chances. The Aberdeen at length became the superior team, by sheer skill and combination, and they thoroughly deserved their advantage having sustained a prolonged siege.
Middleton was much too good for Reid, and after snatching a corner it looked odds on Aberdeen increasing their lead. Toole was very shaky in goal, and frequently dropped the ball at critical moments when everything depended on smart clearing. Anderson, on the other hand, hand, was coolness personified, and though he had many difficult shots to hold he was always ready and capable. Halliday almost did the trick with a high, dropping shot which kept Anderson guessing. The ball hit the crossbar and bounded over.
The Saints would not release their pressure, but try as they might they were worsted near goal. Buchanan scored a great goal after 25 minutes' play, and, although Aberdeen made a strong appeal for offside, the goal was allowed to stand. Towards the interval Aberdeen were the superior team, and were unfortunate to be on level terms at the interval.

Anderson's Fine Save.

The game was fast, and exciting on the resumption as it had been in the first half. Aberdeen pressed and harassed the Saints backs so badly that they were hard put to it to clear their lines. Rain began to fall at this stage, added which there was a misty darkness creeping over the ground. Two corners came to the lot of Aberdeen, but both were capably cleared by Grieve and Reid. Love got the greatest chance of the match to score when he found himself with the ball at his foot and only the goalkeeper to beat. Hannah fell in trying to overtake the Saints' centre forward, and Love drove hard and true for goal. Anderson however, brought off a glorious save, throwing himself full length at the ball and throwing it clear. It was a heroic effort which deserved to succeed, and the Saint supporters were not slow to applaud Anderson's feat. Play became somewhat what rough, and the referee had to warn several players of both teams. Free kicks were frequent. The sparkle bad gone out of the play. By this time both teams were tired, the pace had been too fast, and the match too like a cup tie. Towards the close Flanaghan had his best drive of the day, but his shot struck the goalpost.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 9th February 1921