Heart of Midlothian 1 - 2 Aberdeen

This inter-city midweek League game was played at Tynecastle, Edinburgh, yesterday afternoon in presence of about 2000 spectators. Aberdeen were fairly well represented, but the Hearts still lacked the services of several of their regular men. A curious thing took place at half-time. During the first half a right back, who played under the name of "Davidson," was distinctly shaky, and at the interval it was seen that he had been left out and that Crossan had taken his place. Davidson, it was said, was suffering from a bad toe, and it was, of course, with the consent of the Aberdeen Club that the substitution was allowed. In the first half the Hearts' defence was often in difficulties, and Currie, as well as the new back, was shaky. The latter, however, improved greatly as the game went on. The Aberdeen forwards had many chances, but they shot poorly, and it was not until the game was well advanced that Main found himself with a clear opening and beat Allan. The Hearts forwards were playing fairly well, but they found the defence very hard to beat. It was so also in the second half, at the outset of which Lennie scored from close in with a tremendous shot, the left winger meeting the ball as it came across the goal from the right. After that the Hearts did practically all the attacking, but all they could manage was a single goal got by Dawson. They tried desperately hard to secure the equaliser, but they were met by an equally determined defence, and the latter prevailed. It was a keenly contested game, the best that had been seen in the competition in Edinburgh, and the Hearts should never have lost. Result:- Aberdeen, 2 goals; Heart of Midlothian, 1 goal.

Source: The Scotsman, 31st October 1912

In continuance of their Inter-City Mid-Week League programme, Aberdeen visited the capital yesterday, when the heart of Midlothian were faced at Tynecastle. The weather was dull and broken, rain falling in the forenoon.

The northern side at once got away, but unlikely opening was spoiled by Main shooting past rather wildly. Hearts replied briskly, and were soon around Greg. The ball was headed over. Led by Lennie, Aberdeen made tracks for the other end. Their shooting was indifferent. They certainly pushed the game to some purpose, but met with a stout defence.
After being subjected to considerable pressure, Hearts cleared through Wilson, and a corner fell to their lot, but this was cleared. Aberdeen's front rank were showing exceedingly clever combination. The Hearts' got away on the right, and R. Currie had a rousing good try, which was cleared. Aberdeen were having more of the game, and attacked pretty persistently, and Main rattled up Allan with a raking shot, and it was lucky for Hearts that the custodian managed to get in the way. Aberdeen, however, were not to be denied, and Main and scored a fine goal 20 minutes from the start. After this reverse the Hearts played up, and Greig saved a grand shot from Dawson, having to give away a corner. The Hearts attacked strongly, but the Aberdeen defence responded well.
The Aberdeen forwards were clever in their occasional runs up the field, and when near goal they were always dangerous. Their shooting was never far off the mark, and Allan had to save well in rapid succession from Main and Walker. Wilson had a good try for the Hearts, but Aberdeen were soon at the other end, and it was only offside which brought relief to the home team. Aberdeen continued to open up the game and have the best of matters, and Walker and McDonald had splendid tries. The Hearts got off through Currie, but offside pulled them up. After this, Wilson centered finely and Dawson shot, but the effort was blocked. Once are twice Aberdeen were nearly through, and they were pressing when the interval came.

On resuming, the Hearts got down, Bannister shooting over. Aberdeen then dashed for the other end, but Hearts' did not allow them to remain long in their territory. Currie forced a corner, which Aberdeen cleared. Aberdeen's front rank got away, and beat the home backs. McDonald centered beautifully, and Walker, cleverly picking up, banged through a second goal for the visitors. This occurred only 4 minutes after the resumption, and the Aberdeen supporters present gave a cheer. Aberdeen, encouraged by their success, showed rattling good form, their forwards working together like a machine, and the opposing halves were kept busy. Currie again led the Hearts to the other end, but all but resulted was a fruitless corner.
Immediately after, curry was almost through, but was filed, and the free-kick was cleared. The Hearts not put in a good deal of pressure, curry and Wilson having good tries. After Hearts and forced a corner, Aberdeen took up the running, but the ball went past. A foul to Hearts close in give them a chance, but the Aberdeen defence cleared. Dawson scored a goal for Hearts' 20 minutes after resuming. The point was secured after a good deal of excitement in goalmouth. Aberdeen played hard after this, and we're very much in the picture for a time.
Greig saved several tries from the Hearts' forwards. Aberdeen next made a raid, but Allan had no difficulty in clearing. Wilson broke away for the home side, and was well through when he was fouled. The resultant free-kick was cleared by a defence that was putting up a great fight. Aberdeen were being held by the Hearts' mid-line. Greig was hard pressed, and met many shots in capital style. Dawson sent just over the bar, and Greig negotiated a rare drive from the same quarter. Greig saved Aberdeen in the last minute of the game. He put in a good afternoon's work.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 31st October 1912