Hard Earned Points for Aberdeen
Aberdeen's victory over Kilmarnock by three goals to two at Pittodrie was deserved, but it was not so easily obtained, because the Ayrshire men played a very fast game throughout, and were always dangerous. The fact that Kilmarnock scored their second goal from a penalty in the last half minute of the match, through Hood, was an indication that they never ceased trying to get goals till the very last. The Aberdeen players were determined to put a stop to the rot which had set in during the last few matches. They missed the presence of Hutton, who was playing in the international match against Wales at Cardiff, but in MacLachlan they had a stalwart in defence at left half-back, while Hutton's substitute in the right back position, Muir, made a capital first appearance, fully justifying his inclusion in the first eleven. The best forwards were McLeod, Smith, and Reid. It was curious that while the left winger, Smith, should have succeeded in scoring a couple of Aberdeen's goals, he actually missed the penalty. Here, however, Gould proved his worth in goal, as he did on numerous occasions, effecting a number of brilliant saves. He was well supported by the backs, Hood and Nibloe. Morton, Dunlop and Reilly in the half-back line did not come up to expectations. The attendance was over 12,000.Source: The Scotsman, 2nd November 1925
DEBUTANTE'S SUCCESS.
With Hutton an absentee it was anticipated that the Aberdeen defence would be hard put to it to keep their end up, but Muir, the reserve back, who made his first appearance in the league team, proved a very capable substitute, and came through the game with credit. His kicking at times was weak, but he tackled with fine resolution and accuracy, and created a very favourable impression. Bruce, his partner, played very steadily, and this division did all that was required of it. Blackwell was not severely stretched. Among the home half-backs, MacLachlan was outstanding, indeed he proved himself the best half-back on the field, and in a quieter way Pirie and Cosgrove also acquitted themselves creditably. In attack none played better than McLeod at inside left. He executed a number of clever individual movements, and while purveying many accurate passes to Smith scored a splendidly taken goal. Smith gave one of his best displays at Pittodrie for some time. He scored two brilliant goals - both right-footed efforts - but made rather a feeble attempt to convert a penalty kick awarded Aberdeen in the second period. On the opposite wing, Reid was sprightly and executed several clever runs, but Smith was the more dangerous of the two wingers. McDermid and Jackson, the other Aberdeen forwards, were not so conspicuous but they nevertheless paid their way. Gould in the Kilmarnock goal brought off many fine saves, and undoubtedly restricted the scoring. Hood was the better of two overworked backs, but the half-backs were all below par. In a sprightly forward line that was badly supported and got few opportunities Walker, Smith, and Lindsay were best, but not one of the line excelled in marksmanship. There were about 12,000 spectators.STORY THE GAME.
Kilmarnock made headway at the start, and MacLachlan intercepted Lindsay's cross when Weir was rushing in to shoot. The ball travelled quickly to the other end, where Smith crossed accurately, and McDermid's header was fisted clear by Gould. Following this Jackson was baulked by defenders when he looked like rushing through, and at the home end Muir took the eye with timely clearances, one effort from a centre by Smith being particularly good. At this stage the Kilmarnock forwards were particularly lively, and with the home half-backs not having settled down, considerable pressure was put on Muir and Bruce. The backs were equal to the strain, but on one occasion Muir was lucky to get in the way of a shot by Smith when it seemed Blackwell would have been beaten. McLeod and Smith relieved the pressure for Aberdeen, and Gould distinguished himself when he fisted clear from the Aberdeen left winger's accurate centre with Jackson rushing in. After fifteen minutes Kilmarnock took the lead. Walker sent in fast oblique shot from Iong range, and as Blackwell pulled the ball down Lindsay rushed in and netted. The reverse spurred Aberdeen to greater attacking efforts, and Gould in succession had to save from Reid and McDermid, and the Kilmarnock goal experienced several narrow escapes. A shot by McLeod which would probably have scored hit Jackson on the back. Later a centre by Smith was turned in by McLeod, only to be saved at the foot of the upright by Gould, and Jackson at close range had a shot blocked by Nibloe. Two comers fell in quick succession to Aberdeen without tangible result accruing. At length, after 35 minutes' play, Aberdeen drew level. Smith shot with great force from inside the penalty area. The ball hit the goalkeeper and rebounded to the Aberdeen left winger, who met it and rushed it into the net, the ball glancing the underside of the crossbar. Shortly afterwards McLeod met a cross from Reid, and after steadying himself scored a fine goal from 18 yards' range. Gould touching but failing to prevent the ball from reaching the net. In the closing stages of the period crosses by both the Aberdeen extreme wingers kept the defence busy, and the home team easily deserved to be ahead at the interval.TALE OF TWO PENALTIES.
Aberdeen made the running when the game resumed. McLeod shot over from long range, and after a threat by Weir had been countered by MacLachlan, a centre by Reid was met by Smith, whose terrific shot was deflected for a corner by Gould. Following a free kick against Muir, Blackwell saved from Weir's head, but the game generally ruled in favour of Aberdeen. They were awarded a penalty when Hood fell in a tackle with McLeod and pulled the ball within reach with his hand, but Smith, who took the spot kick, shot weakly wide of the goal. Following this the ball was seldom away from Gould's end, yet the keeper was not overburdened, and a miskick by Hood was about the most dangerous ball he had to deal with for a long time. McLeod headed wide, and Reid and Smith both hit the side net. Jackson and MacLachlan both came by Injuries, but after attention were able to resume. In a breakaway by the right a corner was forced, but Walker failed to keep the ball in play. A brilliant dribble by Reid was nullified by the referee getting in the way of his shot, but following this he was fouled. He took the kick himself, and sent the ball well over to the left, Smith caught it on the run and shot a brilliant goal from about 25 yards' range. Following this third reverse Kilmarnock recovered, and set up a series of persistent attacks, which taxed the ability of the Aberdeen defenders. The visitors' wingers kept swinging the ball into the centre, but Pirie, Muir, and Bruce defended finely, and after a time Aberdeen again attacked through the medium of Reid and Bruce. The Kilmarnock defence, however, withstood these invasions, and latterly the visiting forwards were much more in evidence. A free kick inside the penalty area was awarded against Blackwell for carrying had the home goal danger, but Bruce cleared. In the last minute, in another Kilmarnock attack, a penalty kick was given against Muir, and Hood netted from the spot, the final whistle sounding immediately the ball reached the net.Source: Press & Journal, 2nd November 1925