Aberdeen 1 - 0 Ayr United

Seventeen thousand spectators saw Aberdeen open the season with a narrow but, nevertheless, good victory over Ayr United. Their victory was the result of a superior combination forward, while the defence was very sound, particularly that of the half-backs, whose breaking-up tactics were effective. The only goal of the match was scored by Miller, the Aberdeen centre forward, twenty-two minutes after the start of the game.

Source: The Scotsman, 22nd August 1921

It is announced that the new grandstand, capable of accommodating nearly 5000 spectators, will be available for public occupation today.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 20th August 1921

There were fully 16,000 spectators at Pittodrie where Aberdeen opened their Scottish League season in auspicious style by defeating Ayr United by the only goal. It was a hard, dour encounter throughout, the pace making it reminiscent of a cup tie. The all-important goal was to the credit of John Millar, the centre-forward secured from Liverpool. Twenty-two minutes of the game had gone when he gained possession from a centre by Middleton, and, manoeuvring cleverly, let go a right foot drive which found the net at great speed. Previous to that the exchanges had been even, and both goals had their fair share of attention from the respective attacks. Once McCloy, in attempting to clear from Connon, miskicked into his own goal, for Nesbit to effect a brilliant recovery. On another occasion a head effort by Thomson just missed the mark. After Miller had opened the scoring, Aberdeen applied severe pressure, but the Ayr backs put up a magnificent defence. Towards the interval the United again attacked, and Quinn had the goal at his mercy, when Anderson shot out his foot and saved as the ball was crossing the line. Miller raised enthusiasm with several great drives, and from free "kicks taken by him the Ayr goal was twice in danger. At the interval Aberdeen just deserved their solitary goal lead.

Period of Thrills.

Both goals had narrow escapes after the resumption. Thomson just failed to link with a ground pass by Flanaghan, and at Anderson's end Low, after cutting in, sent narrowly past with the goalkeeper beaten. On one occasion the Ayr goal had a wonderful escape when Nesbit made a great recovery after losing possession when out of his charge, but the same good fortune befell the home goal later when, after a prolonged scramble in which its downfall seemed imminent, Milne got in a timely clearance. In the later stages of the game Aberdeen were handicapped by injury to Connon, who changed places with Middleton. Until the end of the game was hotly contested, Nesbit saving well from Thomson; Milne, and MacLachlan, and Anderson had to clear from Hogg, McDougall, and Cunningham.

Strenuous Tussle.

On the run of the play the visitors were a trifle unfortunate to lose, but in a hefty struggle both teams gave a good account of themselves, and certainly neither spared any effort to win. Aberdeen were superior at half-back, where Milne especially was an outstanding figure, but Wright, and MacLachlan in the wing positions also did great work. Anderson was severely tested in goal, but had some good saves The home backs were none too sure at times, but good covering up saved their charge. In the forward line Miller, Middleton, and Flanaghan were best, with the shooting of the first named always a feature. Ayr United were splendidly served at goal and full back, Smith especially playing brilliantly. The halves shone in backing up their forwards, but as a trio were not so strong as the corresponding home division. Slade and McDougall were the best of the forwards, but Quinn was subdued by Milne.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 22nd August 1921