Aberdeen 0 - 1 Kilmarnock

Aberdeen were not expected to lose to Kilmarnock at Aberdeen, after a mid-week draw with Rangers, but the 9000 spectators who saw the game realised that their favourites did not maintain their best form. Kilmarnock's play was the more methodical throughout, but a strong Aberdeen defence prevented full advantage being taken of numerous attempts to find the net. Culley, their centre-forward, was frequently foiled, and it was more due to a weakness on the part of Blackwell's clearing than to any special merit in the shot sent in that the goal was scored. 'Twas enough, and served. For Aberdeen the outstanding players were Blackwell, Hutton, Forsyth, Maclachlan, Dr Milne, and the University player, F. P. W. Alexander. Kilmarnock's bet were Heron, who played brilliantly in goal, Gibson, Goldie, Smith, and McNaught.

Source: The Scotsman, 8th April 1922

The Aberdeen team again disappointed its supporters on Saturday when at Pittodrie Kilmarnock captured full points by the only goal of the match. After a snowfall the ground, although clear, was in soft condition and with a cold afternoon only 10,000 spectators were present. On the actual incidents of the game Aberdeen scarcely deserves to lose, as for the greater period they were without Miller, who early sustained an injury, and had to retire. Aberdeen were always disjointed, and although they frequently brought danger to the visitors' goal, it was the defence that bore the brunt of the game. The only goal was scored twenty minutes after the interval, when Blackwell left his goal to clear from Watson and Culley. He failed to get the ball away and Watson shot, but Forsyth blocked the ball below the bar, and losing his balance, failed to clear, and before he could recover Culley shot into the net. Both goals were often in danger during the game, and the goalkeepers were kept busy. In the first half it looked as if the ball had crossed the Kilmarnock goal line when Heron threw himself full length to stop a shot from Middleton, and found relief when Moir was penalised for charging.

Disallowed Goals

After Kilmarnock had scored Aberdeen twice had the ball in the net, Grosert on one occasion shooting finely over Heron's upstretched hands, but no goal was signalled, as while the ball was in flight the whistle had sounded a stoppage of play owing to injury to a Kilmarnock defender. In a desperate effort to save the points, Hutton figured at inside right in the closing minutes. There was an exciting finish. In the last minute Middleton from a free kick swept the ball across the Kilmarnock goal, and the final whistle sounded just as Hutton headed the ball into the net. All over it was a most disappointing game. Kilmarnock were the better balanced team, but a spoiling Aberdeen defence kept them at bay. On the home side, Alexander at outside left was the only forward to play to reputation. The half-backs and backs were good defenders, and Blackwell did well in goal. If they merited their success, Kilmarnock were rather fortunate to win, considering the net-finding incidents referred to. Heron, Gibson, Goldie, and Shortt were the best of their defenders, and in an attack that combined well but lacked finishing powere,Culley and Smith were best.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 10th April 1922