Heart of Midlothian 4 - 0 Aberdeen

Played at Tynecastle, Edinburgh, in presence of 12,000 spectators. Aberdeen were no match for the clever Hearts and the home side had a very easy victory. The Aberdonians played quite well in the first half, when they gave the Hearts more than one fright, but in the second half there was only one side in it, and the spectators were treated to some very fine play by the Hearts forwards and half-backs. It was well on in the first half before the Hearts got a goal, which was scored by Wattie from a smart piece of work and pass by Sinclair. The Hearts led at the interval by this goal only. In the second half Aberdeen were defending mostly, though they did have one or two creditable tries to score. The Hearts' second goal was again led up to by Sinclair, who sent across to Dawson and Graham, the latter having the final kick and netting. The third goal was scored by Dawson froma penalty, Graham being unceremoniously tripped when making for goal. Play quietened down for a bit, but a few minutes from time the Hearts got a fourth goal. Sinclair forced a corner, and placing the ball beautifully for Mercer, the big half-back headed into goal from well out. A feature of the game was the fine play of Graham for the Hearts, this player being always prominent, while his shooting was always deadly. Crossan also played a great game at back, but all over the Hearts were good. Result:- Heart of Midlothian, 4 goals; Aberdeen, 0.

Source: The Scotsman, 1st December 1913

Association football in Aberdeen received another nasty knock on Saturday, when, under Scottish League auspices, Aberdeen were beaten by the decisive score of 4 goals to 0 by the Heart of Midlothian had Tynecastle, Edinburgh. 16,000 persons saw the game, in which the winners were much the superior team, even although in the play the game was closer than the score would suggest. There was an exceedingly interesting first half, in which the sides proved to be evenly matched, and it could be said of Aberdeen that they encountered the essence of bad luck in being a goal in arrears at the interval. But a vastly different story was told in the second half. In the period several of the Aberdeen players were injured, and for the rest of the game, although they plodded along pluckily, they were well beaten and shot themselves to be in a different class from the winners.

A PECULIAR POINT

Aberdeen were at the disadvantage in the first half of having to face a strong sun and not inconsiderable breeze, what they started well. The first chance of the game came to Hearts, Dawson receiving a nice pass from Mercer, but before he could shoot Colman had cleared. This was followed by two weak efforts at shooting by the Hearts' Wilson. For a time the Aberdeen defence were hard put to avoid a score against them, and it was really brilliant work by Colman and Greig which prevented it. The goalkeeper saved two terrific shots by Graham and Wattie. Then Aberdeen suddenly loomed into the picture. Wyllie burst ahead with the ball, and when pressed by three opponents, who neatly back-heeled to Green, who had practically an open goal at 6 yards range. Instead of scoring, as everyone expected, however, Green shot high over the bar and a great chance was lost. There was more good work by the Aberdeen defence and some grand saving by Greig, following upon which Aberdeen again took up the running. Walker dribbled cleverly and gave his partner plenty of the ball, but the response was disappointing. Wyllie was well plied with the ball, but he was shadowed by two or three opponents. Allan fisted out a good effort from Macleod. The ball was nicely crossed by Scorgie, and Allan, who was rushed by Wyllie, again cleared. Walker fastened on at 15 yards range and netted with a good shot, but the goal was disallowed under peculiar circumstances. Wyllie failing to restrain himself and his charge, and go on to the back of the net, and was there when walkers shot and it's haven. Under the circumstances the referee disallowed the goal, and his decision was the subject of considerable comment amongst the spectators. Just after this Hearts took the lead. Sinclair worked well down, and, giving to Wattie, that player judiciously placed the ball in the net. Hearts defence dominated the game two wards the interval, which arrived with Aberdeen a goal down.

PLAYERS HURT

The game was but 2 minutes resumed when several of the Aberdeen players were hurt, and at one time Greig, Colman, Hume, and Low were all crippling. Small wonder under the circumstances that hearts took the game in hand. Greig saved cleverly from Sinclair. Walker and Wyllie both had good tries at Allan. Hearts, however, were the superior side, and when Graham scored after Sinclair had crossed Aberdeen were reduced to a state of feebleness. Low and Green changed places, but there was no improvement and the Aberdeen defence was over-worked. Wilson fouled Graham in the penalty area, and Dawson, taking the kick, put Hearts still further ahead. Aberdeen again took up the running, but they could not Pierce the sound defence of the hearts, who obtained a fourth and easy goal through mercer just before the close, and Aberdeen were well beaten, even although they made a better fight than a suggested by the score.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 1st December 1913