Aberdeen 0 - 2 Rangers

Some 14,000 spectators patronised the Aberdeen-Rangers match at Aberdeen. The Rangers held slightly the upper hand in the first half, when they were awarded a disputed goal scored by Reid. Great excitement characterised the play in the second half, when there were many casualties as the result of robust play. Aberdeen pressed for the greater period of the game, but from a breakaway Paterson added a second goal for the Rangers, who were slightly flattered by the result.

Source: The Scotsman, 24th August 1914

Rangers met with the usual opposition at Aberdeen, and in the closing stages Lock and Kelso were injured while stalling off forwards desperately anxious for the equalising goal. Reid had given the visitors a lead which at one time seemed but a temporary advantage, so persistent were the Aberdeen forwards. Far from drawing level, the home team lost another point to Paterson towards the close, and Rangers won after a thrilling finish where last season they were even more fortunate to draw. The defence of Lock, Kelso and Craig was a feature of the game, and promises to rival that of Dickie, Smith and Drummond. With Reid scoring in both League matches and Lock still unbeaten, there is a prospect of Rangers becoming League leaders and championship aspirants.

Source: Unknown

In some respects, Aberdeen were unfortunate to be beaten by Rangers at Pittodrie by 2 goals to 0. 14,000 spectators witnessed exciting if not brilliant play, and, while Rangers deserved the verdict, the margin in their favour certainly flattered them. Play at periods of the game was of the robust order, and the outcome of this was that certain of the players required treatment for injuries. Aberdeen were more aggressive than their conquerors, but the finished weekly, and their movements, individual and collective, were not nearly so decisive and brainy as those of the Rangers. The play was to towsy to do justice to football, and, while Rangers got two goals and incidentally the points, it was a game in which the balance was easily turn.

A GOAL AND A DOUBT

Although they had deserved but not obtained a goal, Aberdeen appeared to have the game in hand during the first 20 minutes, but the turning-point of the game came when Reid score for Rangers at the end of that period, following upon a corner. All the Aberdeen players protested strongly against a point being allowed, claiming that Reid was in an offside position when he received the ball from Cairns. Up with the dismissal of the appeal by the referee, the Aberdeen players did not seem to put the same heart into their play, and with temper coming into the game, the standard of football fell away, although the excitement increased. At the time both defences were tried to their utmost, and Colman on the Aberdeen side and Lock on the Rangers' team were outstanding by brilliant work.

The second half was very exciting, and Aberdeen, although they applied the greater measure of pressure, were over-eager and unsteady at close quarters. Following upon injuries to Bowie and Walker in the first half, Rangers had Kelso and Lock both part in exciting scrimmages in the second period, but they were able to resume after treatment. The issue was put beyond doubt when Paterson scored a brilliant second goal for the Rangers at a time when Aberdeen seemed likely to get on level terms. The home players struggled pluckily to the end, and in the closing minutes Lock saved a wonderful overhead effort by Cail in grand style, but they retired beaten by a side which, reviewing all the circumstances, was the stronger combination.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 24th August 1914