Aberdeen 1 - 3 Hibernian

At Aberdeen before about 4000 spectators. The Hibernians showed great improvement on the form displayed the week before against Raith Rovers, and gained a capital victory. From the start the visiting forwards moved with easy freedom in the outfield, but failed near goal. To some extent the strong work of Colman and Hume was responsible. In a spasmodic attack on the Hibernian goal, Milne got possession after manoeuvring by Travers and Walker, and scored with a shot which travelled away from the goalkeeper and left him no chance to save. The point was not deserved on play, but Smith soon equalised matters after Fleming had struck the cross-bar with a strong shot. Early in the second half, Smith paved the way for a second goal with a hard drive, which Greig only saved partially, Fleming this time applying the finishing touch. From that point the visitors dominated the game. Their half-backs played a notable part, and before the close Smith put them further ahead. The Aberdeen forward line was weak, and the half-back division was also below par. Smith played a clever game on the left wing for the Hibernians and Templeton's sound work at full-back was a feature. Result:- Hibernians, 3 goals; Aberdeen, 1.

Source: The Scotsman, 23rd December 1912

Some heart things were fought - and said - at Pittodrie on Saturday. It was not that Hibs won, and one on their merits, by 3 goals to 1. They were the better - much the better - footballers on the day's show. They scored first, and on the run of the play were lucky to do so, but they did it in such a way has to promise great things, which, however, never materialised. The exhibition given by the home halves and forwards was indeed miserable. Main, of course, was absent, but the non-appearance of one forward should not mean that those who are left should shape like a set of notices. Then the half-back problem was being tackled. Watson was introduced at centre half, and McConnell was shunted to make room for Wilson. The line was as feeble as ever. Watson was a drafter, but he lacks speed, and his inexperience Leck Hendren have plenty of rope.
Hibs were a crisper combination all over, and, if no better served in goal and that back then Aberdeen - they could not well be - they had distinctly the pull in the attack. Between the forwards there was a fine understanding, which bewildered the home halves, and how rest, if it did not always beat, Colman and Hume. Smith, the Hibs' flier at outside left, was in top notch form. He's a brilliant player, and was far and away the headiest of the 10 forwards on show. There was no wild, aimless kicking into the opposing backs feet done by the Hibs' halves, and the result was a well sustained attack.
Milne scored Aberdeen's opening goal - a beauty - and Smith equalised a few minutes later. Hibs should have a lead at the interval, but they had their reward in the second period in further points by Fleming and Smith. Aberdeen never really looked like pulling the game off, at least by football equal to the standard of the Hibs, and could not complain of the result. There will have to be a cent per cent improvement on Saturdays form in the half-back and forward divisions, if the club is to make up for league disappointments by and Easson show in the Scottish cup ties. Last season burden of success was carried mainly by Greig and King, Colman, Hume, and Wyllie. Greig, Colman, and Hume or Hannah are doing the uphill work this year and with mounds such as Wyllie near them their task has been harder than ever.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 23rd December 1912