Source: The Scotsman 24-09-1906
Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 24th September 1906
A Point to the Good
Last season Aberdeen failed to get a point from Airdrieonians in their two engagements. Saturday saw a splendid crowd at Pittodrie. Although thev were not rewarded with a brilliant game, they witnessed a dour, determined struggle to the finish. There was a new arrangement in the front line which was to bring off wonders - if the team were allowed to. The home side went away in a promising fashion, every mother's son having a try for goal, but (the inevitable but) through they could not get. Duncan had some, saves bordering on the miraculous, while the backs were not over dainty in their methods of clearing. Several times the 'Onians limes the 'Onians broke through, but only once did they look at all dangerous. That was when O'Rorke shot wildly over when he had the goal at his mercy. If anyone deserved success it was Lennie, for his runs were worth the money themselves. Darting along the line he centred grandly, only to be beaten by a custodian who has got a tremendous reach. The first half was barren of goals, with the home side claiming what honours there were agoing. Finding their feet rather early the visitors made some capital rushes towards our custodian, finding him always alert, or the backs ready to pick up a cross, and even when they were beaten, there was generally a half on the spot to clear. So the game waged as in the first half, Aberdeen's right wing failing to keep up their pace fell away miserably. The 'Onians' marksmanship was no better than that of the home side - it was perhaps a trifle worse - the game ending without a goal being registered by either side. It entirely due to Aberdeen's defence that they gained a point, and they deserved no more on play.The Players.
The palm must be given to the visiting backs and goalkeeper. A rise trio they are with a perfect understanding between them. O'Rorke got away several times. Strang, however, kept a watchful eye on him, otherwise he would have been certain to secure a goal or two. Gildea was so well held by Henry Low that he was reduced to the very commonplace, while the left got very little scope to roam. Macfarlane was in his very best form, especially at the finish, when his saving was really class. The backs were good, but not without blemish, some of their mistakes being covered by the halves, who were the best line on the field. Lennie and Edgar easily took honours in the front line. McWhinnie, after starting well, got out of the game altogether. Laurie was only fair, and Haxton was not so good as we have him.Chatty Bits.
Airdrieonians felt a hit sore at losing a point on Saturday. They had their minds made up to get the pair. They may thank their stars they got away with that, for Aberdeen was worth a couple of goals in the first half. The right wing hampered Aberdeen terribly in the second period, for both were unable to last the pace. Henry Low shone resplendent in his old position, and came out as the best half on the field. Halket, up till the time he got backed, was in great form and shot for goal with unerring accuracy. Injuries are so numerous amongst the Aberdeen players just now that it will soon be impossible to get a couple of teams together. This week there are six men on the list - Gault, Halket, Urquhart, McKinley, Simpson, and Davidson. Aberdeen failed to gel hold of the Glasgow junior they were after. Some of the Airdrie supporters got so interested in the decorations for the King's visit that they failed to get to see the match. The A's also did a grand performance on Saturday. On the last occasion they were at Methil they were defeated and lost the points. They had a win and the points this time. Aberdeen's front line on Monday played as good football as any that have donned the "black and gold " this season. McKinley was a great success at centre, and the wish is that he may keep it up. Several of the Queen's showed signs of their hard game on Saturday. They gave glimpses of their old-time dash, but failed to sustain them. Aberdeen were in a dilemma as to the composition of their team till the last minute, owing to injuries. It is expected that Gault will be fit to play at Motherwell on Saturday. J. J. Simpson will be unable to assist the "A's" against Dundee A, but he will be an interested spectator. Aberdeen is now practically in the same position on the League table as they were this time last year. They ought to go a bit higher if they get the goals they work for. Aberdonians will have two sterling cup ties this week. The Hearts bring north their team that gave the Hibs. 4-1, and they mean to get the cup home with them.Source: Bon-Accord, 27th September 1909