Dumbarton 1 - 1 Aberdeen

Five thousand spectators attended the opening League match at Dumbarton, where the points were divided between Dumbarton and Aberdeen by a one-goal draw. The first half was fairly evenly contested, with Aberdeen more solid in defence. Alexander opened the scoring for Dumbarton, with a header from a free kick taken by Loney. Two minutes later Browning missed a penalty kick. Miller equalised with a beautifully taken goal, from a pass by Thomson. In the second half Aberdeen?s defence had to stand up to an attack practically throughout. Anderson saved some nice shots, but chances were missed by the Dumbarton forwards, Alexander failing at an open goal.

Source: The Scotsman, 29th August 1921

Aberdeen made a start with their away League matches, when they opposed Dumbarton at Boghead Park before 4000 spectators. The result- a draw of one goal each - while doing credit to the visitors, flattered them. From first to last, and on a greasy pitch, the play was of a poor quality, and was spoilt by over-keenness on the part of both teams. All the scoring took place in the first half. Twenty-two minutes had gone when, following upon a free kick near the corner flag, Alexander headed through for Dumbarton. For a time the home team shaped like increasing their lead. A penalty kick was given against Hannah, but Browning almost missed his kick from the spot, and the ball rolled towards Anderson, who just managed to hold it until relief was brought when the referee's whistle sounded for a foul charge on the custodian. Neither side showed much method in their play, but Aberdeen made the better headway, and several times the home goal was in danger. After thirty minutes' play, Thomson gained possession, and working in towards the centre, passed to Miller, who in turn beat Robertson to score cleverly. From then until the interval, with the wind in their favour, Aberdeen had the upper hand, but they failed to take advantage of the weakness of the home defence under pressure.

Featureless Play

In the second period Aberdeen were handicapped by Hutton having to take the field limping, and the effects of the strenuous first half were apparent in the case of several of the other players, who were also limping. In the period there was on the part of both teams an over-indulgence in robust tactics, and the play suffered in consequence. For a long time Aberdeen could make no headway, and Anderson's goal ran a series of narrow escapes, on one occasion Alexander, the home centre-forward, completely missing the ball with an open goal in front. There were numerous irritating stoppages for fouls, and neither team really settled down to any definite plan of attack or defence. In the closing stages Aberdeen rallied, but their efforts lacked cohesion, and taking the game from start, to finish, they were a trifle fortunate to take a point from the match. Aberdeen were not at all convincing in defence, the backs never getting a grip of the game, and the forwards, who were mot well supported were only spasmodically good. Dumbarton, too, were shaky in defence, but the forwards were always more dangerous than the Aberdeen five. It was throughout a most disappointing game.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 29th August 1921