Aberdeen 2 - 0 Motherwell

Aberdeen Make No Mistake

Aberdeen made their position in the First Division of the Scottish League secure by a well-deserved victory over Motherwell by two clear goals at Pittodrie Park, before 16,000 spectators. Playing against sunshine and a westerly wind in the first half, Aberdeen had the better of the exchanges and took the lead from a finely taken goal by Walter Jackson. Generally, McGrory had more to do than Blackwell, and in that period Hutton twice had the Motherwell keeper on tenterhooks with free kicks. Favoured by the wind, which increased in strength during the second period, Aberdeen asserted their superiority, and obtained a second goal through a forceful first-time effort by James Jackson. The Motherwell custodian had brilliant saves from Hutton and Maclachlan. Outstanding in a well-balanced Aberdeen side were the backs, D. Bruce and Forsyth; half-backs, James Jackson and Hutton; and in the front line the three Jacksons; while the most prominent Motherwell players were custodian McGrory, left back Frame, left half Coyle, and forwards Tennant, Ferguson, and Ferrier.

Source: The Scotsman, 27th April 1925

As events turned out, with the defeat Ayr United by Rangers at Ibrox. Aberdeen did not require to beat Motherwell at Pittodrie on Saturday to be safe from relegation, but not knowing what was happening at Ibrox, the home team went all out for victory, and their 2-0 success came as a great relief to their supporters. The win was deserved, the players going into the game with an enthusiasm and spirit that was reflected in their play. When Walter Jackson, centre-forward, met a ground pass from Smith to deftly shoot the ball into the corner of the net after ten minutes' play, the suspense of the 15,000 spectators was relieved, and when James Jackson crowned a splendid afternoon's work by beating two opponents and crashing the ball past the Motherwell goalkeeper midway through the second half, their enthusiasm knew no bounds. If Aberdeen were much superior and more business-like in their methods, the game was far from one-sided. There was an ever-present threat to the home goal from the spasmodic breakaway by Motherwell forwards, and interest was sustained up to the very last kick. At the close of the game a large section of the spectators enthusiastically cheered the Aberdeen players in appreciation of their successful effort to ensure the city being represented in the First Division of the league for another season at least.<.p>

J. JACKSON SHINES.

Aberdeen were a well-balanced side, in which the players worked finely together, albeit there was much individual effort which enhanced the spectacular element without sacrificing effectiveness. Blackwell had not a great deal to do, his chief trouble coming from a drive by Ferguson and another from McGrath. D. Bruce and Forsyth were two safe backs, who kicked and tackled judiciously but the outstanding player on the Aberdeen side was James Jackson, who, although operating at right half, showed a penchant to roam, and repeatedly assist his colleagues when in difficulties. He excelled in breaking up tactics, and more than any other individual player contributed most to Aberdeen's success. His goal was a fitting reward for a sterling display. Hutton and MacLachlan, too, were powerful half-backs. Along with Jackson they dominated the Motherwell attack, and both were responsible for shots that brought out the sterling qualities of goalkeeper McClory. There was a big improvement in the forward line. Alec Jackson revealed much brilliance on the right wing and his individual runs delighted the spectators. Walter Jackson, too. Played well, and was a resourceful leader. His goal was exceedingly well taken, and he had several commendable first-time efforts that were worthy of success. W. K. Jackson and R. Bruce were clever inside supports, and Smith, on the left wing, if not spectacular, was effective, his work that led to the first goal being very clever.

A GOALKEEPER'S CLEVERNESS.

But for the smart goalkeeping of McClory, Aberdeen would have gained a more decisive victory, his saving of terrifc shots off free kicks by Hutton being a feature of the afternoon. Johnman and Frame offered a stubborn defence against a clever and fast set of forwards, and if they were often beaten when they went in to tackle, they deserve praise for their efforts, especially in view of the weakness of their half-backs. Among the latter, Craig was best, but it was in this department of the team that Motherwell were weak. The visitors' forwards were not well supported from behind, especially the wingers, but as it was the line was well held by the Aberdeen defence. Ferguson worked hard to get his colleagues going and was himself frequently dangerous, but he had too much to do, and little effort was made to draw the opposition off him. Tennant and occasionally Ferrier were in the limelight, but their centring left much to be desired.

PENALTY CLAIMS FAIL.

Two claims for penalty kicks were disallowed in the course of the game. Shortly after the start a defender appeared to be inside the prescribed area when he handled, but the referee adjudged the infringement to have been committed outside the 18 yards line, and awarded an ordinary free kick. The other appeal was made by Motherwell in the second period, after Aberdeen had increased their lead. Tennant, the Motherwell outside right, was brought down in a tackle by Forsyth, the ball ultimately going behind. In response to the appeal by the Motherwell players, Mr Campbell consulted both linesmen, and, to the relief of the home club's supporters, afterwards signalled for a bye kick.

Source: Press & Journal, 27th April 1925