Buckie Thistle 1 - 1 Aberdeen

There was a record crowd at Victoria Park, Buckie, on Saturday, when Aberdeen A opposed the Thistle in the Aberdeen and District League. Mr. Lewis Bain, Cullen, was referee, and the weather was favourable.

The visitors won the toss, and Buckie kicked off against a slight breeze. Aberdeen with more powerful than the homesters, who still are minus two of their best men, and it was feared at the start that Thistle would go down. In the opening stages, however, the Jags ran right through the defence, but finished rather poorly. After some give-and-take play, Aberdeen had a look in, but Massie sent past. Geddes, Buckie's outside right, then got away, and sending in a beautiful centre, a scrimmage ensued in front of Sutherland, resulting in McIntosh and scoring in the first 10 minutes of the game. This success raise the hopes of the supporters of the home team, but Aberdeen redoubled their efforts, and gave the defence some work to do. Milne, at right back, did splendid service time and again repulsing the forwards' led by Massie. Fraser was dangerous on Aberdeen's right wing. He sent in a fine across and a chance to equalise was lost, when Grant shot past with an open goal in front. Esslemont, Cameron, and Macintosh gave some trouble to the Aberdeen defenders. Although the visitors pressed and played a better combination game than Thistle, he could not find the net, thanks to Milne and also Murray in goal. The homesters had the best of the play in the first period and at half-time the score was 1-0 in their favour.

On resuming, Buckie immediately applied the pressure, and seemed likely to add to their score. The Dons, however, soon transferred play to Thistle's territory, and Murray saved a fine shot from Massie. Milne again proved himself a sterling defender, but the visitors gradually forced the pace. From a combined run by Watson and Grant on the left wing, a scrimmage took place in front of Murray after he saved a stinger, and eventually the ball was netted through Massie. During the greater part of the second half Aberdeen were the aggressors, and a fine exhibition of heading was given, that of Wyllie, centre half, being a treat. The Buckie lads forced several corners, and on the whole made a splendid fight for victory, which was denied either side. Time was called with Aberdeen pressing, the result being a draw of one goal each.

For the visitors Colman was the better back. Willie was a tower of strength at centre half, the best of the forwards' being Fraser, Massie, and Grant. Milne played splendidly at back for Buckie, and the home middle line were all in good form, while McIntosh, Esslemont, and Cameron were most prominent in the attacking line.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 22nd December 1919