Dundee 2 - 2 Aberdeen

A benefit game for "Napper" Thomson, the Dundee left back, who has served the club for 13 years.

Source: The Scotsman, 5th October 1926

In a match at Dens Park, Dundee, yesterday for the benefit of D. Thomson, the home club's left back, Aberdeen and Dundee had a drawn game two goals each.
The match was played in glorious sunshine, but the crowd did not nearly reach expectations. Aberdeen were not long in showing their best, and after ten minutes had gone Jackson worked between the backs and gave Marsh no chance with his shot. The early reverse brought strong retaliation from Dundee, and after forcing two corners Ramage was left with only Blackwell to beat, but tapped the ball into the keeper's hands. The game was of a very open nature, both 'keepers being kept busy. Aberdeen, however, had the pull, and just before half-time Jackson put them farther ahead.

After the restart Cassidy headed a determined raid on Blackwell, and a corner was forced. Ten minutes after the restart Dundee reduced the lead, when Farrell crossed for McGinn to rattle into the net. Dundee now had the screw on, but Blackwell was ready for all emergencies. The shooting was decidedly poor, and many good chances went sailing over the bar. In every Aberdeen attack there was a combination that was ever lacking amongst the Dark Blues. Farrell was doing well on the left, and Blackwell had enough to do to hold one of his shots, while a moment later Marsh brought off a great save from Jackson, another from McFarlane, and yet a third from Crawford. Another Dundee attack petered out through bad shooting on Cassidy's part, but a moment later Rankine almost caught Blackwell napping with a surprise snap shot. Hunter equalised just on time.

Source: Press & Journal, 5th October 1926

Napper ' Thomson's benefit match, played before 5000 spectators at Dens Park yesterday, proved rather a costly affair for Dundee in the way of injuries to players. The beneficiary and Ramage retired at the interval, the former with a strained thigh and the burly centre-forward with a badly damaged foot sustained in a bout with "Jock" Hutton. "Napper" Thomson is expected to be fit for Saturday, but the same cannot yet be said of Ramage.
Dundee's misfortunes did not end here, however. Advantage was taken of the privileges of benefit matches to field Gilmour for Thomson and Flanagan for Ramage in the second half, Cassidy taking up the role of centre-forward. Flannagan was also in the wars before long, and after a spell on the touch-line with an injured leg, he retired about fifteen minutes before the close.

Worth the Money.

Benefit matches as a rule do not provide very much in the way of really exciting football, but this one could be regarded as an exception, and that despite the sweltering heat. Play was fast and interesting throughout, no effort being spared on the part of the players on both sides to give the spectators their money's worth.
Aberdeen were early prominent with fast and clever attacking work, and after ten minutes Jackson headed past Marsh. When Dundee retaliated Blackwell had a magnificent save from Hunter, and when well placed, Ramage shot into the 'keeper's hands. McFarlane got off with a clear field, but, failed in his effort to tip the ball over Marsh's head. Dundee were keen for a goal, but further success came the way of the Dons when R. Bruce, after a rare individual effort, placed the ball just inside Marsh's post.

Dundee Recover.

Dundee showed up well in the second half, only five minutes having elapsed when McGinn netted after some fine leading out work by Cassidy. A daring save by Blackwell averted another Dundee score when Farrell was well placed. Marsh again showed his Parkhead form when dealing with rasping shots from Jackson and Crawford. The Dundee shooting was indifferent, but Hunter capped a splendid display by scoring a beautiful goal from 25 yards ten minutes from the end. A draw was quite a good result.
Both teams played some splendid football, a feature of Dundee's display being the fine footwork of Hunter. If he would only part with the ball to a little better advantage Hunter would be a really great player. Cassidy kept the line moving well when leading. Aberdeen were sound in all departments, McFarlane and R. Bruce noticeable in a fast-moving, penetrative forward line. Yesterday's game makes the forthcoming League meetings between the great rivals something worth looking forward to.

Source: Dundee Courier, 5th October 1926