Aberdeen 1 - 0 Dundee United

Dundee United were decidedly unfortunate to lose a couple of points at Pittodrie, by the only goal of a hardly-contested game, for not only had they held Aberdeen in check till the last minute, but in the first half could claim to be the superior combination. It was certainly a game of thrills throughout, in which the defences of each side were well tested, and it could scarcely be placed to the discomfort of Paterson, the Dundee United custodian, that the strong raking shot of Hutton, the internationalist right back, found its way into the net in the last half minute of the match. It was certainly tantalising to the Dundee United that they did not secure a draw, of which they were well worthy, and even one point might have been of considerable value in the race to avoid relegation to the Second Division. Kay and Gilroy, the United's backs, played a capital defensive game. The wing men, T. Simpson and J. McDonald, were eager and smart, but were well kept in check. In the Aberdeen front line, Smith, McDermid, and Carroll were conspicuous, but the right wing undoubtedly suffered from the absence of Pirie, his substitute, Love, failing on several occasions to take advantage of good chances. There was no mistaking Hutton's power in defence and in aggression also. Over 10,000 spectators saw a good match.

Source: The Scotsman, 5th April 1926

A goal scored in dramatic fashion by Hutton within two minutes of the end of their game at Pittodrie gave Aberdeen victory over Dundee United. The reverse is a serious matter for the Tannadice club, and it may well be that this goal may yet prove the deciding factor in determining whether the club will be relegated to the Second Division or will remain in the upper circle. It was a fast, interesting game, with victory going to the better team, although after holding so out long Dundee United were deserving of sympathy in suffering a last-minute reverse. In the first half each side in turn enjoyed periods of ascendancy, but except for a brief spell, Aberdeen held the whiphand after the interval, and it was due to some remarkably good goalkeeping by Paterson that a score was so long delayed and that the United did not suffer a much heavier defeat.
The visitors defended well, but their halfbacks were lacking in constructive play, and while J. Walker and Bauld, in the wing positions, occasionally forced the game, they often left their rear lines exposed and failed to back up their own forwards. The latter were clever individually, but they were weak at finishing, and allowed several good chances to go a-begging. T. Simpson was the most enterprising, and Oswald worked hard, but both lacked support. On the Aberdeen side, Blackwell had little to do. Hutton was in fine form at back, and although D. Bruce made no serious mistakes, he was none too dependable. Aberdeen held a big advantage at half-back, where Cosgrove was best, and in attack Smith, and Carroll were most prominent. There were 10,000 spectators.

FEATURES OF THE PLAY.

Play was fast and interesting throughout, and there was nothing of an end-of-season element about it. The Dundee goal was fortunate to escape early downfall, when with Paterson beaten Jackson headed against the crossbar. This escape was "countered" by Blackwell having to concede a corner off a shot by Bauld, and in brisk exchanges D. Walker at one end, and MacLachlan at the other, shot over from long range. Paterson ran out to deflect a hard shot from McDermid, and Blackwell had to fist clear from J. Walker. Subsequently both goals had narrow escapes. J. Simpson, when about to shoot, was shouldered off by Hutton and a slip by Gilroy nearly let Lowe in, following which Jackson whipped the ball over after a mix-up in front Paterson. A fine bit of combination by McDermid, Jackson, and Carroll finished with the first-named delivering a great shot, which Paterson knocked into the air, and only cleared with difficulty with Love in close attendance. Aberdeen had much better of the exchanges at this stage, and Paterson saved well from Smith and Jackson. Ultimately the United attack got going, and from a cross by McDonald, Bauld had a palpable chance, but only sent the ball weakly to Blackwell. On another occasion, McDonald was at fault when from favourable position he shot against the outside of the net. Towards the interval Aberdeen again attacked, and Paterson saved finely from Carroll and Love.

ABERDEEN ON TOP.

There was a falling off in the pace of the play in the second half, and in the early stages it ruled from end to end. Cosgrove and Bauld both shot over from long range, and Carroll followed up a pass forward by Jackson to deliver a fine shot on the run, but his elevation was slightly wrong. Twice in quick succession, Paterson knocked out terrific shots by Smith. Gradually the United were forced back on defence, and until the end of the game Aberdeen monopolised the attacking. Paterson was repeatedly in action and effected many fine saves, notably off two fierce drives by Smith. It was easily Aberdeen's game, but there were several occasions when the United came very near to springing a surprise. Off a centre by McDonald, Campbell headed weakly into Blackwell's hands, and on other occasions Oswald and Bauld sent just wide of the mark. It looked if the United's defence would defy the Aberdeen attacks until the finish, but with two minutes left Smith took a corner kick for Aberdeen. The ball appeared to be safely cleared, but it went to Hutton who met it about 25 yards from goal and sent in terrific shot, the ball going into the net like lightning, head high, and about a foot inside Paterson's left-hand post. The goal came as a big surprise, and the manner its being taken roused the spectators to great enthusiasm. As they left the field both teams were heartily applauded in recognition of their whole-hearted display.

Source: Press & Journal, 5th April 1926