Aberdeen 0 - 2 Morton

In a match for the benefit of Peter Simpson, the ex-trainer of the Aberdeen F.C., at Pittodrie last night, Morton, the Scottish Cup-holders, defeated Aberdeen by 2 goals to 0. Rain previous to the start affected the attendance, still 7000 onlookers paid tribute to the work of a faithful servant. As gold watches were at stake, the play was rather more interesting than usually associated with benefit matches in Scotland. Keen throughout, the game was played in a fine spirit of good sportsmanship, with the result that the spectators saw many pretty passages of play. Midway through the first-half, French, the Morton centre-forward, receiving the ball in midfield, raced aimed to shoot a brilliant goal from just inside the penalty area on the right. Robertson came nearest to scoring for Aberdeen in the period when Edwards deflected his shot following upon clever play by Smith. The second goal came shortly after the interval, when Hutton, in attempting to clear a cross from McNab, deflected the ball past Blackwell. Aberdeen generally held the upper hand, but, although they often attacked, they finished weakly. On one occasion French came very near to increasing the Morton lead, but, harassed by Forsyth, he shot into Blackwell's hands. Play continued keen until the end, but the home forwards were unequal to beating Edwards, who kept a splendid goal for the visitors. The Aberdeen side included Robertson, ex-Clydebank, at centre-forward, but he did not impress, his anticipation being slow, and, while he found the heavy ball against him in his efforts at shooting, his inability to trap and control the ball frequently lost chances for his side. The other forwards were patchy, and while the half-backs were good defenders, they were often at fault in their efforts to ply their forwards. Both backs played well, and Blackwell had not a great deal to do. Morton were strong in defence, Edwards, who had much to do in the second half, excelling in his negotiation of high shots, and McIntyre was sound at back. Gourlay was the pick of the half-backs and forward, Brown, French, and McNab in that order were best.

Aberdeen Journal, 31st August 1922