Hibernian 1 - 0 Aberdeen

The return League match between these clubs was played at Easter Road, Edinburgh, yesterday, in presence of 5000 spectators. Both teams were well up to their usual strength. The conditions were not at all favourable to good football, a high wind blowing right into the bottom goal, and the ground being somewhat soft. With the gale behind them on the first half, the Hibernians had practically all the play, the Pittodrie men getting across midfield once or twice. Generally, however, the finishing of the Hibernians' forwards was none too well studied, and with MacFarlane keeping a very safe goal, and his backs defending well, the ground men, although they kept up a continuous pressure, had failed to score up till half-time. The nearest approach to a goal was when Stewart drove in a low ball, and McWhinnie was just a second late in getting up to it. Lennie on one occasion had a good chance from a pass by bridges but he shot past, when he might have steadied and had a clear run in on goal. With both the hill and the wind to face for the second half, the prospects for the ground club were not by any means bright, but a brilliant effort by Hagan, who beat the opposition in a sprint from midfield and scored five minutes after the resumption, gave the Irishmen a hold on the game which they never lost. Their play against the wind was much better than that of their opponents had been, and their defence stood up to all the Aberdonian rushes in fine style, Rennie and both backs clearing their lines repeatedly. Stewart and Hagan made easily the best wing on the field, and had the measure of the opposing men all the time. From one of Stewart's cross shots, McNeill headed a second goal, which, however, was nullified by off-side, and in clearing a later one from the touchline MacFarlane was slightly injured. Towards the close Lennie hit the upright with a soft shot, but the Hibernians' goal held out till the end, and they got the points with a victory which avenged their defeat at Pittodrie earlier in the season. Result:- Hibernians, one goal; Aberdeen, nothing.

Source: The Scotsman, 3rd January 1906

Yesterday at Easter Road, Edinburgh, the Aberdeen played the Hibernians in the First Division League competition.

THE GAME

The Aberdeen came on first and received a hearty cheer, which was repeated when the Hibs followed. The home team were successful in the spin of the calling, and played with the wind in their favour. Aberdeen kicked off. Lennie had a good run up on the left, but, unfortunately, he fell after some tricky play. The black and gold brigade got up, but they were driven back. The ground suited the Aberdeen team. The Hibs were forcing the game, but they had the wind in their favour. The Aberdeen men attempted to hang to the ball too long, with the result that they were robbed of it. Macfarlane was heartily cheered for saving from Hagan. He fell, and in spite of the fact that one of the Hibs men was on him he managed to clear. Lennie was injured and had to be assisted off the field.

SECOND HALF

At half time the crowd was about 4000. Playing with the wind in their favour the "Wasps" at once pressed, and Rennie's goal was visited in the first minute. Soon after Rennie had to save a hot shot, Strang shooting straight into his hands. Lennie's accident was not very serious. It appears that he fell and one of the Hibs men trod on his ankle. Five minutes from the start the Irishmen broke away, and Hagan scored the first goal of the match with a fast ground shot. The Hibs once more got away and scored, but the referee gave offside. The Granite City men were too slow on the ball. Bad luck seemed to dog Aberdeen, as shot after shot was rained in, which Rennie saved in splendid style. Towards the finish both sides worked hard, and for a time play raged round Rennie's goal. McAulay shot high over the bar from the penalty line. Although Aberdeen failed to score, they had more than a fair share in the last few minutes. McAulay had another good try.

Gate, £105 8s 6d; stands, £20 - total, £125 8s 6d.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 3rd January 1906