Aberdeen 2 - 2 Morton

Greenock Morton were lucky to secure a two goals draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie Park. The bulk of the 12,000 spectators let the referee (Mr J Howden, Glasgow) know in no unmistakable manner their dissatisfaction with a number of his decisions, especially in awarding Morton's first goal after an off-side infringement had been claimed, and also in refusing to allow Aberdeen a penalty kick when Thomson had been tripped within the enclosed area. So hostile was the hooting that the referee had a couple of men escorting him off the field at the interval when Morton led by two goals to one. The visitors' goals were both obtained by the centre-forward, French; and Miller and Thomson each headed Aberdeen's goals. By far the greater amount of pressure in the second period was by the home team, who had the breeze in their favour. Miller, Rankine, Thomson, and the wingers had repeated likely shots, and Morton's defensive play at times was effective, many shots being saved. Edwards in goal was safe, and he was strongly supported by R. Brown, Wright, and McNab. Their outstanding forwards were French and McKay. For Aberdeen, Hutton and Forsyth were able defenders, and the half-back line wrought admirably. The forwards failed in their finishing. The drawings, exclusive of tax, amounted to £408.

Source: The Scotsman, 20th February 1922

At Pittodrie, Aberdeen were unfortunate only to divide the points with Morton, each team scoring twice. There were 11,000 spectators on a boisterous afternoon and considering the soft nature of the ground, the game was fast, and there were many delightful passages of play, so that interest was maintained right up to the end. With a strong wind behind them, Morton had an advantage in the first half, but after the opening rushes of the visitors had been repulsed, Aberdeen attacked strongly, and Miller was charged off the ball when he was about to shoot. McKay executed a clever dribble for Morton, but shot high, and in end-to-end play both sets of forwards were dangerous. After nineteen minutes' play, French, in a suspiciously offside position, obtained from McKay, and ran through to score easily. Aberdeen attacked with great vigour after this, and, at the end of twenty-eight minutes, Wright lopped the ball forward for Miller to head the equaliser, the ball finding the net off the upright. Subsequently each side attacked in turn, and five minutes from the interval McNab switched over a centre for French to meet it, and place the ball in the net. Following upon this, Thomson, the Aberdeen inside right, was brought down in the penalty area, but referee made no award, much to the annoyance of the spectators, who afterwards repeatedly demonstrated against the official charge, and showed their disapproval of many of his decisions.

Period of Thrills.

In a thrilling second half there were periods when the Morton defence was overwhelmed, and Edwards' goal repeatedly escaped downfall in miraculous fashion, the ball often being deflected by the merest chance. The Morton right wing, and French at centre-forward, never lost an opportunity to raid the home goal, and Blackwell was several times in action. With fourteen minutes of the period gone, a terrific shot by Rankine caused Edwards to concede a corner, and, with Bainbridge placing the flag kick to perfection, Thomson headed through the equaliser. After this the visitor defence withstood a terrific gruelling, many exciting scrimmages occurring in front of their goal. Rankine headed against the crossbar, and that player, Thomson, and Miller had many excellent shots that were worthy of goals. McIntyre was hurt in stopping a terrific free kick by Hutton, and Aberdeen bombarded the goal without success. On one occasion in a melee Bainbridge had the ball in the net, but had handled, so that the goal was disallowed. Morton came away with sorties near the end, but did not look like scoring, and the game ended with Aberdeen very unlucky not to have won by a substantial margin.
Aberdeen were finely served in defence, Milne, and MacLachlan especially showing better form, and of the forwards Thomson and Rankine gave a splendid account of themselves.
For Morton, the safe goalkeeping of Edwards was a factor in the attainment of the result. McIntyre. R. Brown, and Wright were dour defenders, and French, McNab, and McKay were sprightly in attack.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 20th February 1922