Aberdeen 3 - 1 Airdrie

Aberdeen's victory over Airdrieonians at Pittodrie Park, Aberdeen, was the more welcome to supporters of the Northern club because it strengthens the club's position in the League table, and because it was scarcely expected. The Airdrieonians had by far the greater part of the play in the first period, although the home team led at the interval by the only goal, which came from a good shot by Jackson. The equaliser was a gift from D. Bruce's misdirected header. Doolan, who came from the Western Cleland Juniors, made a good appearance in the Aberdeen centre forward position and showed promising play. His goal, which put the team once more in the lead, was a good one. Smith got the third goal from the left wing position. The Airdrieonians were well served by McQueen, Gordon, Neil, Heeps, McPhail, and Rock; and Aberdeen's best men were Ritchie (who took Internationalist Hutton's place), Pirie, Maclachlan, Reid, McDermid, and Doolan. Hutton, of Aberdeen, and Bennie and McDougall, of the Airdrieonians were absent. All three were playing in the International match at Glasgow. The attendance would be over 10,000.

Source: The Scotsman, 29th February 1926

Aberdeen helped themselves to a useful couple of points at Pittodrie, where they defeated Airdrieonians by 3 goals to 1. The home team were without Hutton, who was playing for Scotland, and resting Edward and R. Bruce, introduced Ritchie at right back, and Doolan at centre-forward. Pirie going to centre-half. These placings were attended by happy results. Airdrieonians were without their three regular halfbacks, two of whom, McDougall and Bennie were assisting Scotland. About 10,000 spectators saw an interesting game, with Aberdeen thoroughly deserving victory, although perhaps by a less decisive margin.
Airdrieonians had been slightly the more impressive side before Aberdeen scored shortly before the interval. Smith gathered a pass by MacLachlan to make ground and square for Jackson to find the net with a fast drive, the ball going through off upright. In the period, Blackwell effected some good saves, notably from McPhail and Rock, but the play was fairly evenly distributed. Close on the interval Doolan netted again for Aberdeen, but was ruled offside. Play was somewhat more strenuous and keen in the second half. Just following the restart a header by Doolan was palmed out by Ewart to Reid, and the latter netted, but with the assistance of hand, and the point was disallowed. Subsequently, Airdrieonians got level, Bruce in meeting centre by Somerville heading the ball into his own goal as Blackwell rushed out to intercept.

WELL TAKEN GOALS.

Subsequently the visitors attacked, but Aberdeen offered a sound defence, and after 15 minutes' play, Doolan accepted a pass forward by McDermid to shoot a lovely goal. Shortly afterwards Aberdeen got a remarkable third goal. Reid lost possession to McQueen, but went after him and regained possession on the left side of the field. He then dribbled through to shoot hard at Ewart, who fisted the ball back, and Smith dashing in scored with a terrific shot. This rounded off the scoring, but Jackson should have put Aberdeen further ahead when he shot wildly over from close range.

DOOLAN IMPRESSES.

Aberdeen were the better-balanced team. Blackwell, in goal, effected several smart saves, and did well to keep his charge intact. Ritchie gave a judicious and impressive display in Hutton's place at right back, showing fine judgment, coolness, and resource, and even Hutton could not have improved upon his work. Bruce, at left back, compensated for his fatal mistake by some good tackling, but was not so reliable as his partner. Aberdeen held a big advantage at half-back, Pirie's inclusion as pivot adding strength to the line. He tackled and covered up well, and his distribution contributed to the success of the attack. Cosgrove and MacLachlan, too, were very effective, the former showing a big improvement on recent displays. In nippy forward line McDermid was best, his cute moves puzzling the Airdrie defenders, and he kept the play open throughout. Reid and Smith also showed fine form on the wings, and were always dangerous and too speedy for the Airdrie defenders.
Doolan at centre-forward, made a promising debut. His goal stamped him as an opportunist, and he took position well, while he can evidently shoot to some purpose. While his distribution can be improved, his inclusion enhanced the effectiveness of the line. Jackson was a fine forager throughout, although not so prominent as his colleagues.

AIRDRIE WEAK AT HALF.

A clever Airdrie attack suffered because of the weakness of the half-backs. In front, McPhail and Rock were most prominent, both showing enterprise, but the wingers, Murdoch and Somerville, were not at their best. In the intermediate division, Neil was most successful. Dick and McQueen comported themselves creditably at back, but got too much to do, and Ewart did not inspire confidence in goal.

Source: Press & Journal, 1st March 1926