Rangers 2 - 1 Aberdeen

There were 25,000 people at Ibrox Park last night, when the Rangers met Aberdeen in a League game. Play was keen all through, and at time inclined to be a little rough. In about half an hour Cunningham scored a fine goal for Rangers, and before the interval Cairns added a second. In the second half Aberdeen played a good all-round game, and a goal registered by Thomson was well deserved. Rangers were rather the superior lot, but there was little in it. Morton was prominent for the winners, and Cunningham also played well. Aberdeen were strong in all departments, particularly so in goal and at centre half.

Source: The Scotsman, 25th August 1920

Aberdeen opposed Rangers in a Scottish League match at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, last night, before 20;000 spectators.

Aberdeen faced the breeze, and attacked in the opening stages, Manderson clearing a free kick taken by Wright after Walls had fouled. After the Aberdeen pressure had been beaten hack, Cairns had a chance to score from Archibald's cross, but Milne cleared finely. Rangers got the first corner, but the danger was cleared.
Play was keen and interesting. Rangers settled down, and Cairns was through the Aberdeen defence, but Anderson rushed out and kicked clear. Aberdeen were kept defending, and Archibald got off when Hannah failed, but his cross was cleared by Milne.
A promising Rangers movement was nullified by Cunningham shooting weakly. The Aberdeen goal had a narrow escape from Morton's centre, Anderson pushing Cunningham's shot round the post for a corner. The Aberdeen goalkeeper again saved the situation when he knocked down a terrific shot by Walls.
Aberdeen's defence stood up well to the Light Blues' attack ? Hutton, Hannah, and Milne excelling. Archibald was hurt in a collision with Hannah, but quickly recovered. Middleton raised Aberdeen hopes with a fine run and a cross, but Manderson cleared.

Rangers Take the Lead.

The Rangers went back to the attack, and Anderson had to fist clear from Morton's corner. The Pittodrie team's efforts were confined to the defence, in which department they were grand. After 23 minutes Rangers took the lead. Cunningham caught on to a header by Hutton and drove hard for the net from fully 20 yards. Aberdeen attacked vigorously after this, and even Hannah joined in the attack, but the Rangers' backs were unbeatable. The Pittodrie right wing executed some smart moves. Free kicks against Aberdeen for fouls on Morton brought retribution, and from one of these Cairns headed a second goal after 30 minutes. Rangers played delightful football after this, and Cunningham with an express grounder just failed to increase their lead. Aberdeen were plucky, and Rangers were fortunate when Robb missed Middleton's centre, Smith coming to the rescue. The Pittodrie left was prominent for a time, but MacLachlan nullified by shooting past. Later Ritchie brought Robb to his knees. Rangers again attacked, and Anderson saved from Morton and Cairns. Aberdeen were only occasionally dangerous, and before the interval Anderson cleared Walls's free kick. Rangers were full value for the interval lead of 2-0.

Aberdeen Score.

Rangers started like increasing their lead, and Bowie hit the post, later Morton shot wide. Aberdeen improved, and pretty work by the right wing saw Middleton hit the crossbar from near the touch line. Aberdeen gave as good as they got for a time, and hesitation lost Macdonald a fine scoring chance after fine work by the Pittodrie right wing. Rangers had play to maintain their lead this half, but their defence covered well. Anderson was hurt on the head in a collision with Bowie, but continued after attention. There was much midfield play subsequently, in which neither claimed the advantage. Bowie and Archibald changed places in the Rangers' attack. Cunningham broke the spell bringing Anderson to his knees, and Meiklejohn headed over after great play by Morton.
Aberdeen pegged away, and got their reward after 23minutes. From Middleton's cross McLaughlin tested Robb with a great drive, and Thomson caught on to the clearance and gave the Rangers keeper no chance. After this Aberdeen strove for the equaliser, and Ritchie's cross was finely cleared by Manderson. Middleton collided with Smith, and had to off, but returned to assist, in the attack which Aberdeen maintained. Keenness caused many stoppages for injuries. Aberdeen continued to hold their own, and, although Rangers were clever in midfield, they could make no impression on the Aberdeen defence.

Unusual Incident.

There was an unusual incident during the play. Hannah, MacLachlan, and Hutton collided when tackling Morton, and all three were hurt, requiring attention. After a determined rally, Aberdeen came near to securing the equaliser, Ritchie sending narrowly past from close range. At the other end Cunningham struck Anderson's crossbar with a terrific shot, while Wright retaliated by shooting over. Aberdeen were attacking when time arrived with Rangers only deserving their win because of their first half superiority. The best for Aberdeen were: Hutton, Hannah, the three half-backs, and Thomson and Middleton forward. For Rangers Mandereon, Dixon, Walk, Bowie, Cunningham, and Morton.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 23rd August 1920