Morton 2 - 1 Aberdeen

There was a diminished "gate" at Cappielow, due doubtless to Morton's record defeat the previous week at Falkirk. About 5000 welcomed Aberdeen, who were weakened by the absence of their centre half. Gourlay took Wright's place in Morton's team. The local men got early into favour by their dash and shooting, French scoring in two minutes. Aberdeen steadied, and played up in vigorous style. Alexander and Rankine were enterprising in their raids, which gave Morton some trouble. A chance to draw level was narrowly missed, and eight minutes from half-time McMinn, lying unmarked, caught up a ball from McNab, and headed through. Play was rather poor, but a much brighter exhibition was given in the second half, during which the Northern men put up a splendid fight. A goal taken by Rankine was only their due. French and McNab were eager triers for Morton, and the centre should have counted again. Aberdeen pressed often, and forced several corners, but the Greenock defence held to what they had, the match thus ending in a Morton victory by two goals to one.

Source: The Scotsman, 26th December 1921

A weakened Aberdeen team succumbed to Morton Greenock on Saturday by 2 goals to 1. Rain fell during the greater period of the game, and on a treacherous pitch, which was hard underneath and greasy on the surface, the players had difficulty in keeping their footing, so that play never reached a high standard. French opened the scoring for Morton in two minutes; when unmarked he received from McNab, to practically walk the ball into the net. Before the interval, clever individual play by McNab, and a cross to the left, McMinn headed a second goal for Morton. Aberdeen's goal came after fifteen minutes of the second half had gone, Robertson heading through from a cross by Bainbridge. On the run off the play, Aberdeen ought not to have lost both points. In the second half especially, they accounted for most of the attacking, but they were woefully weak in front of goal, and numerous scoring chances were allowed to slip unaccepted. Throughout the game, Anderson got very little to do, and if bothered occasionally by the treacherous ground, Grosert and Forsyth acquitted themselves well at back. Bert MacLachlan was the most consistent half-back, in fact he was the best on the field His younger brother Fred, after being none too sure of himself in the first half, settled down to a fine constructive game in the second period, when Wright improved his display in the opening half. Bainbridge was a success at outside right, and was finely supported by Thomson, who was the best Inside forward on view. Rankine and Robertson were clever in midfield, but their shooting was erratic in the extreme, and Alexander, if showing fine speed, was a moderate success on the extreme left. Morton were not a well-balanced side, and Alexander lost chances at close quarters, although French was always a source of danger. Edwards did not inspire confidence in goal, and Thorpe was the better back. Of a spoiling half-back line, McIntyre was best, and amongst the forwards, French and McNab were most conspicuous. Attendance 5000.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 27th December 1921