Kilmarnock 0 - 3 Aberdeen

Aberdeen scored a substantial victory over Kilmarnock in a League game at Kilmarnock last night. The score of three goals to none, however, is not a fair index of the run of the play. The visitors excelled in the first half, but Kilmarnock were all over them in the second half, though their shooting was most erratic, shot after shot being sent past or over, while other shots were saved brilliantly by Anderson, the goalkeeper.

Source: The Scotsman, 22nd April 1920

In a Scottish League game at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, last night Aberdeen succeeded where it was generally expected they would fail, when they trounced the Scottish Cup winners 3 goals to 0. There were 3000 spectators.

Kilmarnock kicked off facing strong sun. In the first run up field J. R. Smith failed to accept an open chance. Aberdeen replied with a fine run on the right, and Yule's centre was headed by Hamilton. Play proceeded on quiet and even lines, but Kilmarnock were more often attacking, and in a combined run J. R. Smith sent over the bar. Aberdeen succeeded quickest and a mistake by Shortt almost lost Kilmarnock the opening goal, Blair falling in saving a splendid drive from Connon. The sun was proving troublesome to Kilmarnock, and Aberdeen made the most of their chances. They kept the play open, and were often testing Blair, who had a brilliant save from Archibald. Aberdeen's pressure at length told, and a fine drive from Connon found the net. Kilmarnock made a strong reply, and J. R. Smith tested Anderson with a good shot. Kilmarnock after this set up a vigorous onslaught on Anderson's charge, which was only cleared after four corners had been conceded. Kilmarnock were making poor use of their chances as they came to them. Archibald was outstanding in Aberdeen's attack, and sent over some lovely centre. After J. R. Smith had another unproductive try, Aberdeen came away in a nice combined run, which McLaughlin finished by beating Blair for a second time. Two goals ahead, Aberdeen were playing confidently, and on play they deserved to be leading. Kilmarnock could not settle their game, and the vigorous but clean tackling of the Aberdeen halves kept J. R. Smith and Co. well subdued. As the interval drew near Kilmarnock were constantly attacking, but they could not find an opening. On the genera! run of the play Aberdeen were the superior team.

Anderson's Goalkeeping.

Kilmarnock began the second half in earnest, and forced a couple of unproductive corners. Keeping play well confined to Anderson's vicinity, they looked like reducing the leeway with a great shot from Mr. Smith, which went past. It was a case of Kilmarnock doing all the attacking, and at this period were due at least one goal on play. A great drive by J. R. Smith was the best thing this half, but Anderson barred the way, and later the home centre put over the bar. Kilmarnock kept up a continual pressure, but Anderson stood in the way of a couple of splendid drives from Cherry. Aberdeen were playing for safety, and corner succeeded corner for Kilmarnock. It was certainly against the run of the play when Aberdeen broke away and Yule scored a third goal. After this the game became more even. Anderson?s goalkeeping was the outstanding feature of a game in which, if sorely pressed at times, the Aberdeen defence came through with flying Colours. The forwards grasped the few opportunities that came their way, and in that respect were ahead the home quintette.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 22nd April 1920