Aberdeen 2 - 1 Heart of Midlothian

The Heart of Midlothian gave a poor display against Aberdeen at Aberdeen, and were beaten on play by more than the 2-1 margin. From start to finish the home side were faster on the ball, and much surer with their passes. As a consequence, the Hearts' defence was kept under heavy pressure. Ramage, Wilson, and W. White played well to hold them at bay for half an hour. Then a strong shot from Grant rebounded from the upright to the foot of Miller, who scored. On play, the goal was more than deserved. The Hearts had had several visits to Blackwell, and on one John White should have scored from a nice centre by Murray. Aberdeen held on to their lead to the interval, though they lost the services of Moir in the closing minutes of the first half. Moir did not resume, but with four forwards the home side had quite as much of the play as the Hearts, and near goal they were more like scoring. Indeed, early in the second half, Grant added a second goal following a corner. Towards the close the Hearts improved, and Blackwell saved from John White, and in the last minute White scored. There were nearly 12,000 spectators present.

Source: The Scotsman, 7th January 1924

Although handicapped by the absence of Moir through injury during the last fifty minutes of the game. Aberdeen had no difficulty in beating Hearts at Pittodrie by 2 goals to 1. The one-goal margin, did not flatter the winners, who having obtained an overdue lead after half an hour's play, never looked like losing it. Aberdeen were still without Forsyth and Rankin, and played the same team that drew with Hibernian in mid-week, and Hearts had Kerr at inside right and Welsh at inside left vice McLean and Williamson. There were 13,000 spectators.

GOAL FOR MILLER.

The Edinburgh team's goal had been several times in danger before Smith, at the end of half an hour's play, sent on a powerful shot that found the upright. The ball rebounded to Miller, who, shooting first-time, gave W. White no chance. That was the only goal of the opening period, during which Aberdeen held the whip hand. The visiting forwards were scarcely ever in touch with Blackwell and on the other hand the home attackers had numerous efforts either blocked or charged down in front of White's goal.

ONE FOR GRANT

Play was much more equal in the second half, but even below strength the Aberdeen forwards were always more dangerous in front of goal. Following a corner kick, Grant increased the home team's lead after five minutes' play, the ball finding the net off the upright. Hearts subsequently enjoyed a spell of pressure, and Blackwell had to save from Ramage, J. White, and Murphy, but Aberdeen again took up the attack, and Smith sent a centre on to the top of the bar. J. White shot into the net for the visitors, but the whistle had previously sounded for offside. In the closing stages Hearts played up strongly, and after Blackwell had saved at full length from Kerr, Welsh, from a suspiciously offside position got through to beat the Aberdeen. goalkeeper.

PLAYERS WHO SHONE.

Play throughout was keen and interesting, without, however, touching a very high standard. Considering the big handicap under which they played, Aberdeen were deserving winners, and had they been at full strength throughout the margin in their favour would probably have been more in accordance with their undoubted superiority. Blackwell was a skilful and safe goalkeeper, and Hutton and Jackson proved a happy combination at back. The half-backs never let the Tynecastle forwards out of control, and while Davidson and MacLachlan gave a capital display in the wing positions, Dick deserves praise for his fine work at centre-half, a position he essayed with much success. He kept a firm grip of John White, and his efforts at constructive play suggested possibilities. The forwards worked harmoniously, and even after Moir had retired, were more dangerous than the Tynecastle van. Grant was the most effective, as, while the best shot view, he opened the game, and accounted for many good passes. Paton at inside right, showed much cleverness, and Miller and Smith completed a line that had not really a weak link.

DISAPPOINTING HEARTS.

Hearts gave the most disappointing display of any Tynecastle team at Pittodrie in recent years. W. White, in goal, effected many clever saves, although fumbling the ball more than once. Wilson was the better back, and in the half-back line Wright and Ramage were seen to advantage. The forwards never worked with much harmony. J. White would have been dangerous, but was too well watched by Dick, and of the others Kerr, at inside right, was best, but the line was not well balanced.

Source: Press & Journal, 7th January 1924