Aberdeen 1 - 0 Hamilton

Aberdeen succeeded in taking both points by the only goal in the match at Pittodrie Park against Hamilton Academicals. The ball was headed into the net by Thomson, inside right, from a beautiful pass by Smith, the left winger, who with his partner, Rankine, proved the outstanding in the Aberdeen forward line. A cheer from 13,000 spectators greeted the performance. Cox, the right winger, and Collins, centre, were the best in the Academicals' attack; but the back defence of Hutton and Forsyth and Blackwell's goalkeeping proved impregnable. Similarly on the other side there was good defensive work by Hunter and Kerr.

Source: The Scotsman, 30th October 1922

The game at Pittodrie was the poorest seen on the ground this season. Quite apart from the absence of combination, there was a poverty in the play that made it difficult associate the teams with First Division football. The fact that the home team won will cover a multitude of shortcomings in the eyes of the local following, but the display of the team was not such as to inspire confidence in its ability to retain its comparatively high position on the league chart. The redeeming features of the Aberdeen team's display were the sprightly play of Smith at outside left, and the sound form of Hutton and Forsyth at back. The game could only be voted the poorest seen at Pittodrie this season, and it was in keeping with the occasion that the attendance (about 11,000) was the smallest at a league game on the ground this season. The game was singularly devoid of thrills, and it was only the equality of the team in their efforts at net-finding that kept interest alive.

The Only Goal.

Taking the game from start to finish Aberdeen were fortunate to win, but it was in keeping with the circumstances that the deciding goal should have been the outcome of really the only bit of play in the match which was worthy of a goal. Smith got away from a pass by Rankine, and carrying on, cleverly beat Steele and Hunter in succession, to lob the ball over for Thomson to head past Hugall. This occurred three minutes after the interval, and Academicals had themselves to blame that they did not succeed in drawing level. Both sets of forwards were singularly ineffective at close range, and in both periods chances were allowed to go abegging. Rankine, on the home side, missed one great opportunity in the first half when he sent the ball wide from easy position, and just about the only thrill of the period was when Smith cut in to shoot hard, and Hugall was fortunate to be in a position to knock the ball down. Most danger from the visitors came from Cox at outside right, but he made the mistake of aiming his centres at goal, and Blackwell easily gathered them.

Dull Football.

The second half was dull, dreich affair, brightened to some extent by Thomson's goal, for which Smith had credit. Both teams resorted, without justification, to the one-back game, and on this account there were many irritating stoppages. In the period, the Academicals had their full share of the attacking, but they were weak at finishing, Collins (twice) and Cox failing at comparatively easy chances.
The home attack lacked a leader, and Moir, who figured at centre forward, although showing ability to harass the backs, did not make ta success of his role. The right wing failed to strike anything like the form of which it is capable, and while Rankine occasionally came into the picture with clever footwork, Smith was easily the best forward. The half-back play was only moderate, and Milne's absence was felt. Of the three who did duty MacLachlan was easily best. The strongest division of the team was at back, Hutton and Forsyth both showed splendid form, their tackling being especially good. Blackwell was not seriously tested, but he showed fine judgment in dealing with crosses from the visitors' right wing.

Moderate Opposition.

Academicals were a very moderate side, but their backs, and Kerr, were stalwarts, who saved their team from a much heavier defeat. Both tackled well and kicked strongly, and came out the game with credit. Hugall in goal had not a great deal to do. The half-backs only showed fair form. Johnstone kept close watch on Moir, but the most effective middleman was Robb. There was a certain amount of individual cleverness on the part of the forwards, but Cox was easily the best. Collins at centre forward played well in the outfield, but was weak when it came to actual shooting for goal.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 30th October 1922