Motherwell 1 - 2 Aberdeen

By returning a two goals to one win at Motherwell, Aberdeen provided one of the day's surprises, the more so as the home team had up till then been undefeated at home. For a good spell in the first half it seemed more likely that the Aberdeen defence would fall before a Motherwell attack, which at intervals was capably sustained. Prior to obtaining the opening goal the Aberdeen forwards were showing up with smart football, and there was always an element of danger in their methods. It was hardly a surprise when Paton headed through the opening goal after Smith had made the running. Early in the second half Ferguson equalised for Motherwell, but the score was only allowed to remain a draw for a matter of seven minutes, when Aberdeen secured the lead for the second time in the game. W. Jackson scoring during a scrimmage. Aberdeen were slightly the better team, and in the matter of skill and thrustfulness they were worthy winners.

Source: The Scotsman, 13th October 1924

In a fast and exciting game at Fir Park, Aberdeen defeated Motherwell by 2 goals 1. It was a fluctuating struggle. There was much end-to-end play at times, and there were more prolonged periods when each side held an attacking ascendancy over the other. On the actual incidents of the game Aberdeen were value for their victory, although there was really not a big disparity between the teams. Aberdeen scored through Paton five minutes before the interval, when they retained their lead. Ferguson equalised for Motherwell fifteen minutes after the second half commenced, but five minutes later Walter Jackson secured the winning goal for Aberdeen following a remarkable run by Alec Jackson on the right wing.
Throughout the game both goalkeepers had difficult shots to negotiate, and the defence of each side was severely tried. Blackwell and McClory both showed excellent form, and the back play of both sides was sound without being brilliant. J. Jackson and Forsyth were if anything slightly ahead of Little and McDonald. MacLachlan was the best of the Aberdeen halfbacks, but Edward ran him close. Both tackled well and were constructive. Hutton, although accomplishing good work in defence was not a success at centre-half in the first half, but in the second period gave a much improved display. On the Motherwell side Cringan was the best half-back, although Johnman tackled well on occasion, and supported his forwards with no little skill. Both teams had fast moving attacks. On the Aberdeen side A. Jackson was most successful, but Smith on the left wing also showed great speed, and each was responsible for work that led up to a goal. Rankin and Paton were subtle inside forwards, especially in the first half, and W. Jackson, while distributing well, was more than a little unfortunate in front of goal. Ferrier and Tennant were Motherwell's best forwards, and of the inside trio White provided most trouble to the Aberdeen defence.

PLAY DESCRIBED.

The game was witnessed by 6000 spectators. Aberdeen opened strongly, but were repelled, and after fast work on the Motherwell right, Ferguson shot over, after being unbalanced by MacLachlan's tackle. The ball travelled quickly from end to end, and no sooner had McClory run out and cleared from A. Jackson than J. Jackson blocked a shot by Ferguson at the other end. Clever combination on the right took Aberdeen back to the attack, and A. Jackson forced a corner, but failed to lift the ball over. Edward next took the eye by sending in a high ball, off which W. Jackson just failed to score, flashing the ball inches high. A spell attacking by Motherwell followed, and Hutton twice got in the way of shots by Ferguson and White that might have counted. A great shot by was deflected by Blackwell at full length, and MacLachlan dispossessed Tennant when that player was about to shoot. At the other end, McDonald blocked a shot by Smith that would have beaten McClory. Rankin caught on to the rebound, and his shot was finely saved by the home goalkeeper. Another Motherwell raid followed, and Tennant headed into Blackwell's hands. Clever wing play by A Jackson resulted In Paton getting possession, and he shot well, but McClory at the second attempt deflected the ball wide of the post. A shot by Rankin was deflected for another corner, but Cringan cleared. A flag-kick ensued at the Aberdeen end, and Johnman shot over. Following this the Aberdeen forwards again got going, and McClory saved a high ball from Smith. In a raid by the Motherwell right, Tennant shot the ball hard against MacLachlan's hands, and the home team's claim for a "penalty" was disallowed. After forty minutes' play, A. Jackson squared in front of the Motherwell goal. Smith got possession, and lifted the ball back for Paton to head It out of McClory's reach. After this Aberdeen played good football. A. Jackson was through when overbalanced in the act of shooting, and shortly afterwards he had a great shot, which beat the McClory, but the ball found the top of the upright. Aberdeen maintained pressure, and Smith had a magnificent shot turned aside by McClory at full length. Until the Interval Aberdeen were aggressive, and deserved their lead.

A. JACKSON'S BRILLIANCE.

Motherwell were the first to get steam up in the second half, and Blackwell averted disaster by running out beyond the penalty area and kicking away from White, the ball going for a corner. A. Jackson transferred play, and McClory required two attempts to clear his final effort. A centre by Smith would probably have been improved upon had W. Jackson not slipped, and Edward dribbled past two opponents to just miss the goal with a swerving ball. For a time the play favoured Aberdeen, but McClory was not much troubled. Ultimately Motherwell rallied, and following a free kick Stevenson sent narrowly past. After fifteen, minutes' play, following pressure on the Aberdeen defence. Ferrier crossed the ball in front of goal and Ferguson lifted it Into the net, Blackwell making a fine attempt to save, actually getting his hands on the ball, but just failing to keep it out. Aberdeen were not long on level terms. Off a clearance by Smith near his own goal, W. Jackson got possession in his own half of the field, and swung the ball out to Alec Jackson. The latter in turn carried right into goal, and when by confronted by McClory, slipped the ball to his brother Walter, who walked it into the net. It was a brilliant piece of work on the part of the right winger. Motherwell immediately retaliated, and Blackwell saved finely at close range from White. Another burst by the Jackson brothers had the home defence in difficulties, but on this occasion Little was equal to clearing after a race. Motherwell returned to the attack, and off a Ferrier cross. White just missed with a header. Alec Jackson again ran through the Motherwell defence, and Cringan only dispossessed him a yard from goal. Play was desperate in the closing stages. White after a brilliant run shot hard and true, but Blackwell, after knocking the ball against the crossbar, fisted clear. Following this, Ferrier netted for Motherwell after the whistle had gone for an offside infringement. The Motherwell players hotly disputed the referee's decision, and there was some delay before play was resumed, but he adhered to his decision. Shortly afterwards Ferguson was brought down outside the penalty area, and the Motherwell players claimed a penalty, but after consulting a linesman the referee rightly awarded a free kick. Ferguson took this, but his drive was blocked, and in a thrilling finish Aberdeen just managed to retain their lead.

Source: Press & Journal, 13th October 1924