Port Glasgow 3 - 1 Aberdeen

I have had one or two very bad days at Pittodrie this season. But I don't think any of them could come up to the experience we had at Port Glasgow on Saturday. A mere handful of spectators saw the start, and a sensational one it was. After Aberdeen had tried hard with a shot or two, away went the Port, the ball travelling on the right wing, and crossing at the right moment Carruthers had nobody but Macfarlane to beat, which he did in fine style. This proved the best point of the game. It was sutch a day that anything might happen, the finer points of combination having to be discarded, while, no matter how Henry Low shot, Ward was there, either on all fours leaping high up, receiving the ball: every time. Had the footing been anything like decent, Aberdeen would have been a goal or two up before half-time, but their ill luck kept dogging them all along. The Port's strong point was in lashing the ball aheadof the halves and by quick following getting on the backs with a rush, so that Macfarlane got his hands full on several occasions, with a knock or two to remind him there were burly "wee Ports" still to the fore.

One could not describe the game with anything like minutenss, owing tcho the wretched weather and the difficulty in discerning the players at times from the mud and "glaur" with which they were bespattered. Enough to say that Port scored three goals, Aberdeen responding with one off a penalty, though on play, in all justice the "Black and Gold" deserved to have had more.

A Retrospect.

If my readers will care to go back with me to the end of May last season, and look at the composition of the Second League team Aberdeen then had, and what they now have as representing first-class football, not a little of their non success is explained away. At the end of last season the Aberdeen management were without any definite agreement as to whether they would be admitted to the "charmed circle" or not, hence they stayed their hands in so far as making a plunge for players they might not require. It was only after their admission that the services of Lennie were got, along with.Ward, to strengthen the front line. The attack has undoubtedly been the weak part all through. True, they have risen to the occasion when teams like the Celts, Hearts, Rangers, and Third Lanark had to be met, while with what might be termed, without offence, inferior teams, they have failed to bring home points which they ought to have won. One splendid credential the players have received from the southern press is that they play too fine football against some of their opponents, and lack the robustness necessary to rush them through on heavy grounds. When all these things are taken into account, Aberdonians ought not to be dissatisfied altogether with the first season of their team in the League. Some clubs I could mention never reached double figure points in their first season, and 24 points is not at all bad for a start. I hope to see their first year's experience set to good advantage for next year.

Chatty Bits

Aberdeen finished their first season in the Scottish League on Saturday.
The Glasgow Time's says they have justified their inclusion in this body from a playing and financial point of view.
There are many "croakers" in the Granite City, who think they should have done better than 24 points.
It is so easy to manage a football club outside that the officials have to bear the brunt of the team's good or bad play.
While I have pointed out any mistakes that have arisen during the season, the directors and manager, I know, have been imbued with the best of motives for the welfare of the Club.
The play at Port on Saturday was another instance of many we have seen this season. Given a good day, and decent footing, Aberdeen would have won easily.
Robertson was in deadly form on Saturday, and came away with some dangerous rushes.
Ward did not clinch, in so well on the left wing as on the right.
Most of the players stayed in Glasgow till Monday, and were present at the Anglo-Scots' match.
Wilfred Low had to be left at home owing to his injured finger. He expects to be fit this week.
The Reserves had a look on at the Aberdeenshire final. They were pleased that their conquerors had won.
Peterhead players got a rare reception from their 600 supporters after the game.
The presentation of the Cup was made in the Recreation Room of the Pavilion after the match was over. Ex-Baillie Glass presided, and in making the presentation referred to the incalculable good which the appearance of Peterhead and Huntly in the final would do in the county so far as the game was. concerned.
In handing over the Cup to Mr. T. Mackie, the Chairman trusted that the game would, continue to prosper and expand in their midst.
Mr. Mackie, who has played the game in his time, and who was one of the pioneers of the "soccer" code in Peterhead, thanked the Chairman for his remarks, and threw out one or two kindly hints for the Association to work on.
The question of cheaper railway fares for football teams is worth taking up, and should not be lost sight of.
Votes of thanks were accorded to the referee; Mr. Nisbet, and the Chairman for presiding, and the proceedings, which were short and harmonious, closed.
There was a great reception awaiting the special train when it arrived at Peterhead.
There will be a rush for Inter-City, and East of Scotland League games till the end of April.
Aberdeen have fixed Hearts for Saturday, and Dundee for 7th April, in the latter competition.

Source: Bon-Accord, 22nd March 1906

The Aberdeen team visited Port Glasgow and played their return Scottish League match with the Port. The game was played in squall a weather, the rain pouring almost continually from the start to the finish. Aberdeen were without Wilfred Low, McAulay, and Edgar, whose places were taken by "Gowie" Robertson, Ward, and Mackie. The teams were:-
Port Glasgow: Ward; G. Robertson, Ritchie; Mainds, J. Robertson, Allan; Roberts, gray, Graham, Ross, Carruth.
To Aberdeen: Macfarlane; Boyle, Gault; Halkett, Strang, G. Robertson; J. Robertson, Ward, H Low, Mackie, Lennie.
Referee - D. McCorkindale, Dalmuir.

Aberdeen, with the wind at their backs, kicked off. The first minute brought a surprise for the crowd, and for Aberdeen, Carruth bursting through and scoring for the Port. Lennie was prominent for Aberdeen, and had a lovely try, which missed the net by inches. The soft ground was responsible for much miskicking, and the terrific rain showers did not help to improve matters. Aberdeen pressed hard. Aberdeen forwards showed smart enough footwork, but their judgments near goal was poor. The game improved, and for the Port J. Robertson scored a second goal after a smart run by Roberts. Aberdeen attacked in spirited style, and now look more dangerous than they had done at any previous part of the game. A penalty was awarded against the port near the interval, Boyle converting and reducing the leeway.

On resuming, the Port, assisted by the breeze, were quickly at work in Aberdeen quarters. Roberts had a fast run, centering beautifully, but Macfarlane cleared. He had hard work for some time. The ball was brought down the field by the Aberdeen centre, and a good shot was cleared by Ward. The drive by Low almost secured the equaliser, and the next minute the Port were off, forcing a corner. An exciting melee ensued at the goalmouth, a vigorous defence being set up by the northern half-backs and backs. Macfarlane got several long shots to deal with, but he was seldom in difficulties. Port Glasgow scored again from a corner.

This match completes Aberdeen's league engagements, I and, with 24 points for 30 matches played, there is little likelihood of a Aberdeen being one of the two teams lowest in the table.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 19th March 1906