Heart of Midlothian 4 - 1 Aberdeen

The counter sporting attractions in Edinburgh did not have any adverse effect on the attendance at this match at Tynecastle, and probably that was due to the inclusion in the Heart's team of the Tynecastle favourite, Robert Walker, who made his first appearance since September. The game proved a most interesting one, and by the display given by the Edinburgh team, their lost form has evidently been regained. A few minutes from the start saw Mercer score with a capital shot, and before the game was thirteen minutes old other two goals were secured for the Hearts, Wilson converting a penalty and Mercer again scoring with a splendid drive. When the teams crossed over, the visitors were accordingly three goals in arrears, and some time after the resumption Wilson had his second goal from a centre by Sinclair. After this further reverse, Aberdeen put some more life into their play, and were rewarded when Walker beat Allan with a rather soft goal. The Hearts afterwards gained the upper hand once more, but failed to add to their total. Result:- Hearts, 4 goals; Aberdeen, 1.

Source: The Scotsman, 3rd February 1913

Although beaten by 4 goals to by the Hearts at Edinburgh on Saturday, Aberdeen were a much more deserving side than the score indicates. Hearts started off in great style, and inside fifteen minutes they were three goals up. In these opening stages the Tynecastle men could do but little wrong, and they played with a precision that did not auger well for Aberdeen. Mercer opened the scoring with a terrific shot, and this was closely followed by another goal from a penalty taken by Wilson. Hearts continued on the aggressive, and King and his backs were kept busy, Walker, Sinclair, and Dawson being especially dangerous in their attack. A third goal followed for Hearts, Mercer sending in a terrific shot which King could not have saved. With their big lead, Hearts did not relax their efforts, but Aberdeen improved greatly, and several times before the interval they looked as if they would reduce the leeway. They finished weakly, however, and at the interval the score was - Hearts 3, Aberdeen 0.

AN IMPROVEMENT

Aberdeen were a transformed side in the second half, but, although they were brilliant in the outfield, they still refused chances near goal. MAin and Scorgie both erred badly after the Hearts defence had been beaten. When they broke away, the Hearts were by far the more dangerous side, and Wilson made the total four with a very fast shot. Soye, on the Aberdeen right, was the best forward on the field, and he worked most energetically and well to reduce the leeway, but all to no purpose. The outfield passing of the Aberdeen forwards was very accurate, but against a robust and sound defence, their power was reduced at goal. Ultimately success did come to Aberdeen, Walker scoring following a free kick. As a football combination, Aberdeen were ahead of Hearts, but there was no comparison of the work of the team near goal. There was no further scoring.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 3rd February 1913