Aberdeen 4 - 2 Clyde

Aberdeen's victory over Clyde at Pittodrie Park was popular with the 15,000 spectators because of their appreciation of the "hat trick" by Miller, who was alert in getting into position in time to accept a pass from the wingers Middleton and Bainbridge. The last-mentioned's first appearance at Pittodrie since his transference from South Shields was watched with interest, and his lobbed centres were admired. Thomson was Aberdeen's other scorer, the inside right's shot from close in leaving Shingleton no chance to save. The Clyde goalkeeper had a great deal to do, and he did well, assisted by Cowan, Farrell, and Forrest. Clyde's goals, both got in the first half, were obtained by Chambers and Brown.

Source: The Scotsman, 17th October 1921

Aberdeen were in, fine form at Pittodrie, where Clyde were defeated by 4 goals to 2. It was always an interesting game, but it can only be said to have been an even struggle until the interval, when each side had scored two goals. After that Aberdeen monopolised the pressure, and at times their work was in the nature of a spectacular display. The feature of the match was the goal-scoring performance of Miller, the Aberdeen centre-forward, who had the hat trick," the first three Aberdeen goals all being to his credit. Consequent on recent reverses, Clyde turned out a rearranged team, it cannot be said the shuffle made for improvement. Aberdeen had out their recognised strongest team, Thomson being inside right and Bainbridge, the new winger from South Shields, made his debut at outside left. The alterations made for improvement in the play of the side, and even if they were not a perfect combination, they served up some delightful collective touches.

Fast Scoring.

In the first half Aberdeen were at a disadvantage in having to face a glaring sun, but although the defence was frequently troubled they rose above the circumstances. Both goals were well visited in the opening stages, and after 13 minutes Miller opened the scoring for Aberdeen off a fine pass by Middleton. Clyde got on level terms immediately, a shot being deflected past Anderson off Forsyth's boot. The play proceeded at a great pace, and each goal in turn was danger. Brown gave Clyde the lead off a splendid pass by Duncan. Aberdeen hammered away for the equaliser, and after seven minutes, off a pretty pass forward Milne, Miller beat Shingleton with a well-judged shot. For a time the play favoured Aberdeen, but towards the interval the visitors again came away strongly, and there was some fine defensive passages on both sides.

Miller's Hat Trick.

In the second half the superiority of Aberdeen was not seriously challenged. Thomson, with a fast grounder, which Shingleton saved with difficulty, heralded an Aberdeen attack, which was more or less sustained until the finish. Miller had repeated efforts to get through, but he got his reward after sixteen minutes, when off a beautiful centre by Middleton he completed his hat trick to the accompaniment of tumultuous cheering. Clyde wane only seldom dangerous, and when they did threaten their attackers found more than their match in the Aberdeen rear division. Shingleton, in the Clyde goal, had several brilliant saves, one in particular of a shot by Miller eliciting rounds of applause. Following a scrimmage near goal, Thomson accepted a pass by Bainbridge to put Aberdeen further ahead. In the closing stages the exchanges entirely favoured Aberdeen, and it would only have been in accordance with the pressure exerted had they increased their lead.

All the Aberdeen players did well. Anderson and his backs were sound and skilful. The half-backs never relaxed their grip on the Clyde attack, and the forwards moved in much more harmonious fashion than has been the case this season. Miller and Middleton were outstanding, and Bainbridge at outside left made quite a fair first appearance. The Clyde goalkeeper and backs gave a splendid account of themselves, but the half-backs were unequal to coping with the lively Aberdeen attack, and in consequence neglected their own forwards, who failed in collective effort. The estimated attendance was 14,000.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 17th October 1921