Third Lanark 2 - 1 Aberdeen

In their encounter with Aberdeen at Cathkin Park, Glasgow, Third Lanark had much more of the play in the first half than their visitors, who, however, crossed over a goal in hand. It was scored by Thomson. The visitors were more prominent in the second half, but Orr made the scores equal from a "penalty," and near the finish, J. Walker gave Third Lanark the lead. The estimated attendance was 10,000.

Source: The Scotsman, 6th November 1922

ABERDEEN PLAY BADLY IN GLASGOW. WEAKNESS IN ATTACK.

On its first visit to Glasgow for the reason, the Aberdeen did not cover itself with glory, Third Lanark winning at Cathkin Park by 2 goals 1. Except that the atmosphere was chilly, the conditions were ideal for football, the slight breeze not being sufficient to interfere with play. In the first half Third Lanark had much the better of the exchanges, and yet they found themselves a goal in arrears at the interval. Almost from the start the home team pressed, and it was entirely due to the brilliant defence of Aberdeen that they failed to get into touch with Blackwell. Ultimately pressure told, and Reid drove hard against the side-net. Repeatedly the Aberdeen goal was in danger, but the shooting of the home forwards was wild in the extreme. A terrific free-kick by McInally was stopped by Blackwell, and Hutton was on the spot to complete the clearance. Cullen, McInally, and all Findlay all had wild attempts at shooting, and for a time Blackwell was kept busy with bye-kicks. One of the best shots he had to field was from Orr, the Third Lanark left-back. Aberdeen seldom attacked, although Rankine, Smith, and Thomson did their best to make headway. Third Lanark showed much individual cleverness, and McInally especially tried hard to make openings, only to be crowded out near goal. Eight minutes from the interval, and when the balance of play was all against them, Aberdeen actually took the lead.
Rankine initiated a movement which was carried on by Smith, who centred accurately, and Thomson judged nicely to head the hall past Brownlie. Before the interval Third Lanark were several times within an ace of equalising, but threw away opportunities by reckless shooting.

Penalty Goal.

For the opening fifteen minutes of the second half Aberdeen played clever football, and attacked with great vigour. Brownlie and his backs were kept busy, the keeper fisting away from Smith, and fielding a hard drive by Grant. Rankine had several fast shots which just missed mark after clever manoeuvring. Third Lanark at this stage were as much on the defensive as Aberdeen had been earlier, and were seldom over midfield. Ultimately the home left made ground, and Cullen was grassed by Hutton in the penalty area, Orr beating Blackwell with the spot kick which was awarded. Play became fast but scrappy, and McCormack was fortunate to get in the way of a hard shot by Smith. Third Lanark improved, and MacLachlan in attempting a pass back conceded a corner. The ball was well placed from the flag, and Walker breasted past Blackwell. Subsequently the play of Aberdeen fell away considerably, and after Forsyth had misjudged a pass-back, McInally should have increased the home team's lead, but he ballooned badly. In the closing stages Aberdeen strove hard to equalise, but the attack was wanting at close quarters.

Wanted, a Leader.

Aberdeen badly lacked a leader in this game, Moir failing to respond to the efforts of Rankine, who repeatedly plied him in good position. The Aberdeen inside-left was the outstanding forward on the field, and, along with Smith, made up a clever wing/ The right-wing was much less in evidence, although Thomson showed clever touches, but he neglected Grant. In the half-back line MacLachlan was outstanding, although A. R. Grosert was not far behind. Swan was only a fair success at centre-half. The backs constituted the strongest department of the team, Hutton especially doing well.
The Third Lanark forwards nullified all their clever midfield play by poor finishing, Rein and McInally being best. J. Walker was the' best of the centre division, and Orr wss the sounder back. Brownlie, like Blackwell, did his work well, but neither was overburdened. There were 10,000 spectators.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 6th November 1922