Aberdeen 2 - 0 Clydebank

Aberdeen deserved their victory over Clydebank at Aberdeen, and might have had a bigger goal register but for the impetuous shooting of the forwards. In each case Thomson was the scorer. An unusual accident happened to Stevenson, Clydebank's right back, when he headed a ball sent in from the right wing. The ball struck him on the forehead, and he fell insensible. He soon recovered, however, after being taken behind the goalposts. The Clydebank defence made a good stand against the repeated attacks of their opponents. The forwards were so hemmed in that they seldom got an opportunity of shining. At half-back they showed resource in tackling. The Aberdeen defence was never overtaxed. A. R. Grosert was conspicuous, and never missed an opportunity that came his way. The half-back line were vigorous, and freely fed the forwards, whose only fault was erratic shooting.

Source: The Scotsman, 2nd January 1922

The 2-0 victory of Aberdeen over Clydebank was easier of accomplishment than the score would suggest. Although the play was keen enough at times, and interest was sustained until the end. Aberdeen gave the impression that they were holding something in reserve for to-day's encounter at Dens Park. There were times when the Clydebank team revealed glimpses of really clever football, but their efforts were not sustained, and with their attack a much less powerful force than that of Aberdeen, the whip was nearly always in possession of the home team. Both goals were to the credit of Thomson, the home inside right, who scored in each half. His first, obtained less than five minutes from the start, practically settled the issue, and his second, which came midway through the second period, merely served to make it secure. The first goal came after Middleton got over a high centre which Morton punched clear. Twice the ball was returned, only to be blocked, until Thomson crashed it into the net with great force. Much of the credit Aberdeen's second goal was due to Miller. He shot very hard from just inside the penalty area. By a great effort Morton knocked the ball down, but fell in doing so, and before he could recover, Thomson had dashed in and placed the ball in the net.

Greatest Disparity.

The biggest discrepancy between the teams was in the attack, where Aberdeen showed much greater ability in maintaining pressure, and worked much more harmoniously. They did not finish too well, however, even although Morton had considerable difficulty in stopping powerful shots rained in by Miller. Aberdeen's superiority was much more marked in the second half than the earlier period of the game, but with the issue safe in their keeping they did not unduly stretch themselves. While Miller, the Aberdeen centre-forward, delivered some excellent shots, he was often unfortunate in his attempts, and in the closing stages at any rate, when he was well watched, his colleagues might have found it more profitable go through on their own. Had the issue been in doubt this is probably what they would have done.

How Players Performed.

Anderson got quite a number of shots to deal with, but nothing that really seriously taxed his ability, and he was helped in keeping his goal intact by the poor finishing of the Clydebank forwards. On one occasion Horsburgh skied badly when only a few yards from goal. The feature of the game was the effective play of the Aberdeen right wing, which was finely backed by Wright. Thomson especially was brilliant, and it was fitting that both goals should fall to his lot. His clever dribbling and accurate parsing, not to mention more than one splendid try, marked his as a meritorious performance, and, had he been a little less unselfish near goal, his goal total would have been augmented. A. R. Grosert and Forsyth played a strong game at back. The last-named has regained quite his best form, and with Grosert also showing skill, the play of the pair blended well together.
Dr Milne was not so conspicuous as usual, but Wright and MacLachlan excelled in sure tackling and accurate ground passing.

Clever Right Wing.

Middleton and Thomson made the best combination on the field, the first-named sending across many accurate centres, while his partner showed much braininess in drawing the opposition and passing with great accuracy. Considering the many fine shots with which he tested Morton, Miller was unfortunate not to count, but there were occasions when his accuracy was not so pronounced as is usual. He led the line well, and the accuracy of his passing contributed much to the prolongation of the Aberdeen attacks. The left wing was not so prominent as that on the right, yet Rankine and Bainbridge accomplished much that was clever and judicious.

Clydebank Stalwarts.

There were three outstanding players in the Clydebank team?these were Morton, in goal; Stevenson, at right back, and Scraggs, at centre-half. Morton showed any amount of confidence and not a little daring. Thera were occasions when he enjoyed some good fortune in that balls that looked like finding the net were luckily blocked, but the sympathy of the crowd was with him when, following his brilliant stopping of Miller's terrific shot, he was beaten for the second time by Thomson. Stevenson proved a strong and resolute defender, kicking a fine length and tackling strongly. He got a nasty knock on the head with the ball in the second half, when he was "knocked out," but came round to finish strongly. Ferguson, his partner, was inclined to be erratic at times. The strong man of the side was Scraggs, the fair-haired Irish centre-half. He kept a watchful eye on Miller, and rendered great service to the backs, but one liked his constructive play, and that so poor use was made of his many fine ground passes reflected the poor quality of the Clydebank attack. The diminutive McLavin was tricky as usual, and shared with Goldie the distinction of being the best of a moderate line. Horsburgh was not a success and players such as Robertson and Manson obviously appeared out of their element in their respective positions. The estimated attendance the match was 12,000.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 2nd January 1922