Aberdeen 3 - 0 Airdrie

Aberdeen's victory over the Airdrieonians at Aberdeen, before 15,000 spectators, was typical of the run of play generally. The home team manifested a superiority in every department of the game notwithstanding the serious handicap of the absence of Hutton, their right back, after twelve minutes of the match had gone. He received a knock and a medical man who examined him ordered his removal to the Royal Infirmary, where it was thought, after X-rays examination, an operation for rupture would be necessary. Even with ten men, however, Aberdeen proved their superiority, the half-back line especially, and at the close R. S. Grosert, the team's only amateur, received an ovation for the brilliant manner in which he conducted the one-man back defence. The scorers were Middleton and Miller in the first half, and Bainbridge in the second period. Airdrieonians' left-winger, Thom, was the most conspicuous player on his side. The Ellis-Reid right wing combination was well held.

Source: The Scotsman, 14th November 1921

Although handicapped by the absence of Hutton, their right back, after the first ten minutes of the game, Aberdeen decisively beat Airdrieonians at Pittodrie by 3 goals to 0, and their performance, considering the disadvantage, deserves to rank as their best of the season. With the ground in a hard state the conditions did not suit all players alike, and, although soft ground is generally supposed to suit Aberdeen best, on this occasion all the team adapted themselves well to the circumstances. Hutton was hurt in tackle of Henderson, the visitors' centre-forward, and after being medically examined in the pavilion was removed to the Royal Infirmary, of which is now an inmate. It was learned last night that, though the player had sustained a severe bruise to the lower part of the body, the injury was not so serious as was at one time thought, and that an operation will not be necessary. He will, however, be unfit to play for some weeks. After the retiral of Hutton, Aberdeen played one back, and with the forwards and halves showing great dash and speed, the goal that fell to their lot after twenty minutes' play was well deserved if it was of the soft variety. Middleton, from well out on the right, lobbed in a high centre, and the Airdrie goalkeeper, in attempting to fist clear, completely missed the ball, which landed in the net. With the Aberdeen half-backs dominating the situation, the visitors were seldom dangerous, although there were two occasions when individual efforts respectively by Thom and Reid came near piercing the home defence. There were many dashing runs by the Aberdeen forwards, and particularly by the right wing. On several occasions shots by Miller, Thomson, and Rankine just failed to count, and once Bainbridge shot wide from easy position. The second goal of the match fell to Miller. He got possession, outside the penalty area, and, although fouled from behind, was able to get in his shot. Shortt stopped the ball, but it passed from his grasp into the net.
A little more steadiness in front of goal during subsequent play before the interval might have seen Aberdeen increase their lead. Anderson, in the home goal, got little do, but close on half-time he brought off a brilliant save from Reid.

Brilliant Defence Play.

Throughout the second period Aberdeen continued to hold the whip-hand, although their defence had more to do than in the earlier part the game. The home forwards showed some delightful touches, and it was only the fine defence of Dick and McQueen that kept down the scoring. Although they often pressed, the visitors seldom got within shooting range so well did Grosert and his half-backs defend. Miller on several occasions came near increasing Aberdeen's lead, the goalkeeper on one occasion blocking a shot with his feet. After twenty-five minutes play, Bainbridge with practically an open goal, received from Middleton, and scored with a ball that glanced off the upright. Henderson, at short range, for the visitors lost an easy chance by shooting wildly, and near the end he looked like counting when Anderson brought off a brilliant full-length save. The game ended without further scoring, and provided Aberdeen, and the defence in particular, a brilliant victory gained under adverse stances.
On the home side A. R. Grosert was brilliant at back, and the spectators' appreciation was reflected in the ovation accorded him at the close. All three half-backs, too, were brilliant, and forward, Middleton and Miller took the eye most. For Airdrieonians, Dick and McQueen were the strongest part of the team with Preston the best of the half-backs, and forward they were best served by Reid and Thom. The attendance was 15,000.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 14th November 1921