Raith Rovers 2 - 2 Aberdeen

About 6000 spectators were present at Stark's Park, Kirkcaldy, where an interesting game was played between Raith Rovers and Aberdeen. The result was a draw of two goals each, a score that somewhat flattered Aberdeen, both of their points being softly obtained. The scorers were Cosgrove and W. Jackson, Raith Rovers' goals, on the other hand, were specially well taken scores by Miller and James. Twice during the game the Rovers obtained the lead, only to lose it after a short interval. The game was remarkably fast, and cleanly fought all through, the Rovers, with no fewer than five reserves playing owing to injuries and illness among the regular men, having slightly the better of the exchanges, and being much the superior side in finishing. Blackwell, the Aberdeen goalkeeper, brought off a number of excellent saves, and might be said to have saved his side from defeat. Chapman, late of the Hearts, played a capital game at left half for the Rovers.

Source: The Scotsman, 8th December 1924

In a keen struggle at Kirkcaldy, Aberdeen and Raith Rovers divided four points - a result which did justice to both teams. Rovers showed five changes compared with the previous week, Mathieson, and Jennings being the most notable absentees. It was expected that Aberdeen would introduce two new forwards, but the transfer of Bowie, centre-forward from Barnsley, had not been completed, and he was consequently not fielded. Cosgrove, the ex-Tottenham and U.S. inside right, however, was included, and Paton crossed to inside left. In a game of fluctuations, Aberdeen were twice in arrears, and it reflected their fighting spirit that they drew level. In the first half, Aberdeen had distinctly the better of the exchanges, Smith, on the left wing, playing irresistibly and getting across many dangerous balls which ought to have been scored from. In the earlier stages of the second half, the Rovers' forwards over-ran the defence, but subsequently the latter recovered, and in end-to-end rushes neither side claimed advantage. On the Aberdeen side, Blackwell effected several brilliant saves. James Jackson and Forsyth both played well at back, and Hutton was a destructive centre-half, although his efforts at constructive play were poor. Smith was easily the best forward, and Paton and Cosgrove also did well. The newcomer was slow at times, but his passes were marked by great accuracy, and he gave the impression that once he becomes familiar with the ways of his colleagues he will prove a decided acquisition. Rovers were often shaky in defence, but Morris was always outstanding, and in both periods of the game took his team out of difficulties. Innes was the better back, and Chapman played a useful game at left half. In attack, James was brilliant, and was the best Inside forward on the field. Of the others Bell and Ritchie were best.

THE GAME DESCRIBED.

Aberdeen made a promising start, Davidson, Paton, and Smith combining nicely on the left, but Barton dashed in and relieved: after Smith had centred. When Rovers got going Neish tested Blackwell with a lob. The Aberdeen left attacked, and following clever play and a melee in front of Rovers' goal, Paton crashed the ball against the upright. Equality developed in the exchanges, and for a time neither side could make progress. James manoeuvred cleverly for the Rovers, and following good work by him Morris shot over. A. Jackson on the Aberdeen right had several runs, but his centres were invariably cleared by Morris. Miller for the Rovers shot narrowly over, and following this Neish centred along the goal-line after it had appeared that he had run the ball over. It was only a great effort on Blackwell's part that enabled him to push the ball round the post when he threw himself at Ritchie's feet. A clever movement by Cosgrove and A. Jackson was negatived by the latter sending the ball near to the left corner flag when close in on goal. Smith, on the Aberdeen left, was in splendid form. Repeatedly he left Barton standing, and his crosses were always dangerous. On one occasion Cosgrove headed narrowly over, and off another centre by Smith Paton shot wide. Rovers took the lead in 25 minutes. James manoeuvred for position and slipped the ball forward to Miller, who without hesitation whipped it into the net from 20 yards range. Aberdeen claimed that Miller was offside, but the referee decided otherwise. Rovers improved after the success, and Neish narrowly missed with a great shot. Following this Aberdeen returned to the attack, and A. Jackson centred behind. Cosgrove fallowed with a capital first-time try which missed, and after two corners had been forced Smith had a shot which went two inches wide of the goal with the home custodian beaten. Aberdeen continued to make the running. Cosgrove, Smith, and Paton all had shots which missed counting, and after 40 minutes' play they drew level. Smith beat two opponents and centred accurately. The ball was missed by players of both teams, but ultimately went to A. Jackson, who returned it, and Cosgrove found the net from a difficult angle. Immediately afterwards Smith again centred but several attackers missed the ball and ultimately Innes cleared. A shot by Cosgrove was fisted down by a defender in the penalty area, but Aberdeen's claim for a penalty was refused as was a later claim when Barton with his hands knocked down a shot from Smith, who was also upset In the penalty area. Aberdeen maintained the pressure until the interval, but could not get ahead.

GOAL FOR EACH.

Midfield play marked the resumption, but Jackson ultimately forced a corner which brought no advantage. At the other end, Edward conceded a flag kick, and Blackwell fisted away from Bell before J. Jackson ultimately cleared. In eight minutes Rovers took the lead. Ritchie beat Jackson, and slipped the ball through to James, who shot a brilliant goal from seven yards. There was a strong suspicion in this case, too, that James was offside. After this success the forwards played fast, tricky, and effective football and several times came within an ace of increasing their side's lead. James had a shot off which the ball struck Blackwell and rebounded against Forsyth, who was also under the cross-bar. The goalkeeper deflected a curling shot from Ritchie, and then at full length just managed to push out a fine shot by James. There were several scrimmages in front of the Aberdeen goal and but for the determined defence of Blackwell, J. Jackson, Forsyth, and Hutton further disaster must have befallen Blackwell's goal. Ultimately Aberdeen shook off the pressure, and following a corner forced by Smith, W. Jackson shot over. Cosgrove and A. Jackson both had shots which miscarried, but ultimately Smith dashed between the backs and gave to A Jackson. The latter, although harassed by two opponents, managed to return the ball to Walter Jackson, and that player equalised by placing the ball nicely out of McKenzie's reach. Subsequently play ruled from end to end. A centre from Chapman just avoided Blackwell's charge, and James had a shot which the keeper saved cleverly. At the other end, a long shot by Davidson was only cleared at the second attempt by McKenzie, who also had to field a high ball from Edward. Smith and A. Jackson both raided the Rovers territory, and off their centres Aberdeen narrowly missed taking the lead. A. Jackson was badly fouled just outside the penalty area on the right, but Edward sent behind from the free kick. Both sides strove desperately in the closing minutes. James and Paton for their respective sides just missed with good shots, after clever individual efforts, but there was no further scoring.

Source: Press & Journal, 8th December 1924