Aberdeen 3 - 1 Clydebank

Easy Win for Aberdeen

Aberdeen had little difficulty in defeating Clydebank in the opening League match at Pittodrie Park. With more alertness and luck at close quarters, the score would have been augmented, considering the general run of play, especially from corners. In the first half McKendrick's handling enabled Miller to secure Aberdeen's first goal from a penalty. Smith on the left wing showed some of his last season's dash, and secured Aberdeen's other two goals, the second one from a forceful shot on the run. McGrory was Clydebank's scorer. Jackson, the Motherwell centre half-back, who takes Dr Milne's place now that the doctor has gone to Aston Villa, played well. What most of the 15,000 spectators apparently appreciated was that he was as keen at the end as at the beginning of the match, and a trier every time. He promises to be an excellent pivot for a good half-back line.

Source: The Scotsman, 20th August 1923

Aberdeen made a promising start, beating Clydebank Pittodrie by 3 goals to 1 after having had much the better of the game. There were about 14,000 spectators, and these had much to enthuse over in what was always a fast although at time one-sided contest.
From the start, Aberdeen were the superior side, and although it took them over thirty minutes to find the net, and even then they were indebted to a penalty award, they had themselves largely to blame that their lead was confined to one goal at the interval. Aberdeen scored other two goals in the second half, but had the forwards accepted their opportunities the number might have been doubled. At one stage of the game they held a clear lead of three and it was only because of obvious slackening off, coupled with a slip by a home defender, that enabled Clydebank to register a goal in the closing stages.

STRONG IN DEFENCE.

In defence, Aberdeen were much better balanced than Clydebank, every man in the rear divisions giving a capital display. Blackwell in the second halt had several ticklish shots to deal with, but was never in difficulties. Hutton and Forsyth played masterly at back, and the home half-back line dominated the game. Indeed, such was their grip on the opposition that twenty minutes had gone before the Clydebank forwards were able to get the ball to the home goal line. Davidson played with rare judgment at right half and Jackson bids fair to be a capital successor to Dr Milne. At left half MacLachlan played a grand forcing game. The home attack was not quite up to the standard of the defence. Rankin and Smith were an effective and fast left wing, who repeatedly had the Clydebank defence in difficulties, and Smith's two goals were cleverly taken. Miller distributed the ball well although he has often been seen to better advantage as a finisher. Grant played a tireless game at inside right, with Thomson failing to strike his best form the right wing was not as effective as the left.

CLYDEBANK DISAPPOINT.

The display of Clydebank was disappointing, the team failing to reproduce the form which took a point from Partick Thistle two days earlier. Wallace kept goal splendidly in the first half , when he saved well, but his judgment appeared at fault when the third goal was scored. Murphy and McKendrick had a busy afternoon, and although defending stoutly did not compare favourably with the home backs. Scraggs at centre-half, was the outstanding player in the team, and but for his brilliance his side must have suffered a much heavier defeat. Murphy at left half was next best in the losers' defence. The Clydebank forwards never really got going, and the best of them were Fleming and Devan, the extreme wingers. The side showed little combination, and the attack was always well held by the Aberdeen half-backs.

A PENALTY GOAL.

Aberdeen soon got on the attack, and Grant just missed with fast ground shot off Smith's centre. A long drive by MacLachlan, which was inches high, was the next incident of note, and subsequently in an exciting period, Wallace at close range saved twice in succession from Miller. Successive flag kicks fell to Aberdeen and for a time the Clydebank goal seemed to have charmed existence, Rankin with a header and Miller and Grant with drives missing by the hairbreadth. Twenty minutes had elapsed before the Clydebank forwards got near the Aberdeen goal, and then Fleming forced a flag-kick off Forsyth. This was cleared but subsequently Murphy (left half) shot over, and Blackwell immediately after had his first save - a long shot by Devan. Aberdeen were soon back to the attack, and forced corners without being able to Improve on them. Grant and Miller both had chances, but were crowded out in front of goal. With fully thirty minutes gone Murphy, the Clydebank right back, used his hands in the penalty area and from the resultant spot kick Miller put Aberdeen ahead with a terrific shot. Towards the interval the visitors were entirely on the defensive. Several corners fell to the lot of the home team, but stubborn defence prevailed. Miller just missed with a capital shot, and Wallace had to go to full length to push away a hard drive by Grant. On the run of the play Aberdeen deserved to lead by more than the only goal at the interval.

TWO FOR SMITH.

After a quiet opening in the second half, Aberdeen came away strongly, and only six minutes had gone when MacLachlan dribbled the ball forward and gave it to Smith. The latter shot on the run from the corner of the penalty area, and from his terrific shot the ball struck Wallace on the arm and glanced into the net. At this stage MacLachlan was hurt, but was soon able to resume, and as he did so Smith scored another fine goal for Aberdeen. Grant carried the ball up, and passed out to Smith, who in similar manner to his previous effort shot into the far corner of the net beyond the reach of the outstretched Wallace. Clydebank retaliated in spirited fashion, but Hutton relieved when Smith became dangerous, and Aberdeen again took up the running. Smith centred finely, but Miller, from only a few yards out, lifted over the bar. A free kick by Scraggs was saved by Blackwell, and at the other end Wallace had to hold a swift ground shot by Grant. Clydebank came more into prominence for a time, and Blackwell had to clear from Devan. Aberdeen subsequently should have increased their lead, Rankin failing at an easy chance. Hutton and Davidson both received hurts, the latter's in-jury causing him to go to outside right for a time. This upset the balance of the home side, and in a spell pressure, McGrory took full advantage of a slip by Hutton to beat Blackwell from close range. In the closing stages, the Aberdeen goalkeeper had to save from Fleming and Fraser, but throughout Aberdeen always had the issue well in hand.

Source: Press & Journal, 20th August 1923