Hibernian 0 - 1 Aberdeen

There was not much between the Hibernians and Aberdeen at Easter Road, Edinburgh. The northern side held an advantage at half-back, which the Hibernians countered by sound play and good goalkeeping, but the forward play on both sides was weak and scrappy. About twenty minutes from the start Grant scored for Aberdeen, and up to the interval the visitors played well enough to deserve to carry their lead into the second half. After the interval, however, the were defending for the most part - a good sound defence, however - and though the Hibernians hit the cross-bar through Walker and Dunn, they could not find the net. In the end Aberdeen won because of the soundness of their defence rather than of their attack, but the majority of the 9000 spectators present no doubt thought a draw would have been a better result.

Source: The Scotsman, 24th April 1922

In leaving Easter Road with two points after winding up their away League fixtures for the season Aberdeen had the benefit of a good share of luck. It was not that they did not deserve their 1-0 win over Hibernian, but looseness and carelessness in the Pittodrie lines very nearly led to a few goals being ticketed against the visitors. Such a result would not have done justice to the play, but if had happened Aberdeen could have offered no excuse. It was as well that Victor Milne and has partners in the midway line were on the top of their game; if they had been as lethargic and inaccurate as the majority of their colleagues Aberdeen would have gone down heavily. It was remarkable that the greater part of the game was a battle of half-backs, the forwards of both teams being left to look on while the middle ranks fought the issue between themselves. The Aberdeen men dominated and somewhat exasperated the opposition, who resorted to rough work, but finding that they had the worst of the tumbling bouts, the Hibs halves began skying the ball, apparently hoping to upset the cool deliberation of their rivals. This only made matters more difficult for the Easter Road forwards, none of whom were shining lights. By faultiness in the Aberdeen defence, however, some of them were presented with chances, but Blackwell, although unusually shaky in a few of his clearances, was always on the spot. The Aberdeen attack, too, made a poor show, their occasional bursts being relentlessly dealt with by McGinnigle and Dornan. Grant, who was always on the move hunting for opportunities, and once or twice having poor luck when he found them, snatched the only goal of the game. It was brought about by Middleton, who wriggled through to the goal line, and sent deftly back to the Inside right. Grant, from twenty yards, slammed the ball home, the shot travelling from Harper all the way. On the outside Alexander delighted the crowd with his endowment of speed and neat movement, but his performance was not effective, Strang usually being too powerful for him at the crucial moment. Although able to get round Miller every time, Connon was not a success at centre forward. He was seldom in the right position and was generally too late. His headwork was best, and twice be would have had goals had not Harper saved his charge by flucky interceptions. Thomson and Middleton were a smart working pair at times, but they were both below par, and the entire absence of cohesion and method in the line brought what forcing work they did to naught. MacLachlan was the least tried of the three half-backs, the best of whom was Milne, whose cyclonic behaviour caused havoc in the Hibs attack. Hutton and Forsyth were often erratic, but gave the impression that they would have risen to the occasion had necessity demanded it. Hibs were disjointed and wearied, playing without pith, and often without, apparent enthusiasm.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 24th April 1922