Falkirk 0 - 0 Aberdeen

Aberdeen fulfilled their last away fixture for the season at Falkirk where they did well to share in a goalless draw. There were 7000 spectators.

The game was one of the poorest seen at Brockville this season, but if there was credit in the result it belonged to the Aberdeen defence, the goalkeeper, and half-backs playing a sterling game. In the first half Aberdeen had the advantage of a breeze, but, like those of Falkirk later, their forwards failed to take their opportunities. Anderson's goalkeeping was cool and clever, and at times brilliant, especially in the last fifteen minutes, when the home team every ounce of energy to pierce a stonewall defence. Both Hutton and Hannah were resolute and sound at back and the half backs vied with each other in defensive skill. Robertson made a most creditable appearance at centre-half and he was finely supported by A. R Grosert and MacLachlan. The Pittodrie attack was always full of dash, but they were found wanting at close range, although Thomson on several occasions gave the home goalkeeper plenty to think about. Middleton and Flanaghan were good and indifferent by turns. Fisher was not brilliant, and he and Connon in the opening stages of the game messed between them a grand opening which had it been improved upon, might have directed the fortunes of the game in Aberdeen's favour. Falkirk, too, were strong in defence, Ferguson executing some clever saves, and Townsley at centre-half was a great factor the game, but as was the case with Aberdeen, the team was weak in the forward division, where Gardner, as leader, lost at least two great opportunities.

Play in Brief.

Slackness on part of Connon and Fisher after the opening gave Falkirk a lift. Gardner opened out the game for Falkirk, but Grosert, and Hutton were especially good in defence. A nicely squared ball from Middleton was going direct to Flanaghan when McNair headed clear. Falkirk, however, were still in difficulties, and a powerful shot from Thomson was safely held and cleared by Ferguson. Hamilton sent over a beauty to Gardner, who had only to touch the ball to find the net, but drove wildly over the bar. Falkirk's play was slack in attack, and Robertson and Hannah easily got rid of most of the work, leaving Anderson with little do. Towards the interval, however, Falkirk had a fine sweeping movement, but Martin shot over. Subsequently Aberdeen had much the better of the exchanges, but the interval arrived with the score sheet blank.
With the breeze behind them in the second period the Falkirk attack was much more prominent, but they failed to control the ball, and, invariably placing too far ahead, allowed the Aberdeen backs to clear. Martin, Townsley, Hamilton, and Glancy all had efforts turned aside. Flanaghan and Middleton frequently raided the home goal, which on one occasion had a narrow escape when the left winger hit. the outside of the side net. In the later stages of the game play was mostly in Aberdeen territory, but, the hotter the Falkirk attacked the better was the high quality of the defence of Anderson and his backs brought out.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 25th April 1921