Kilmarnock 1 - 3 Aberdeen

These teams met at Kilmarnock in a First League game, before over 3000 spectators. Kilmarnock, by greatly improved play, were the better side all through the first half, and they had often hard lines in not scoring. Aberdeen scored the only goal of the first period, the ball rebounding into the net off H. Low, after Monteith had struck it out at a corner kick. Kilmarnock continued their aggressive work for the greater part of the second half. The only time Aberdeen showed anything like their true form was after McKinlay scored a simple-looking goal. The best goal of the match, however, was notched by Linwold for Kilmarnock after some smart aggressive work. Ten minutes from the close H. Low got away from an off-side position, and easily got a third goal for Aberdeen. This was all the scoring, Aberdeen being lucky to win by three goals to one goal.

Source: The Scotsman, 1906-10-29

Aberdeen visited Kilmarnock in a Scottish League fixture. The ground was heavy owing to the wet weather, and throughout the match the players experienced great difficulty in keeping their feet. At 3:15 the teams took the field in the following order:-
Aberdeen: Macfarlane; Boyle, Gault; Halkett, Strang, W. Low; Ward, Edgar, McKinley, H. Low, Haxton.
Kilmarnock: Monteith; McCallum, Agnew; Chrichton, Shaw, Mitchell; Maxwell, Graham, Skillen, Howie, Linward.
Referee - Mr. Edwards, Glasgow.

Kilmarnock won the toss, and played with the wind in their favour. Starting off strongly, Kilmarnock were soon at the Aberdeen goal. A fine shot by Skillen went over the bar, and immediately afterwards another effort by the same player was a trifle wide. The home players were persistent in their attacks. Clever tackling by Strang, however, kept the Kilmarnock forwards at the. Gradually Aberdeen opened out the game, Henry Low being prominent among the forwards. The wet grass and slipper a ball troubled the players considerably, and miskicking was notable year and there. Ward got away on the Aberdeen right, I and, outpacing the left back in a rush for goal, the outside right centred squarely in front of goal. None of the other forwards, however, were in a position to catch up the ball, and the goalkeeper easily cleared. Kilmarnock then got down on Macfarlane, who had to save repeatedly. One particularly good shot by Crichton was finally cleared on the ground by the goalkeeper. Strong return by Gault said the Aberdeen forwards on their way, and Henry Low, catching up a pass from the centre, shot hard for goal. Monteith came out to meet the ball, but missed it. However, that Kilmarnock goal had a miraculous seascape, for the ball struck off the post and rebounded into play. There was little to choose between the teams for a time, but ultimately Kilmarnock monopolized the play. Macfarlane was tested from all quarters, several of the shots sent in Agnew and McCallum being of the hard, stinging order. The Aberdeen goalkeeper, however, refused to be beaten, and that is no exaggeration to say that, had a less experienced goalkeeper been between the posts, Kilmarnock would undoubtedly have had a big lead. On one occasion Macfarlane was left single-handed to face the Kilmarnock forwards. A goal appeared almost certain when the goalkeeper fell on the ball near the goal line. Several opponents tried to kick the ball out of Macfarlane's hands, but the Aberdeen man quickly turned the leather round the outside of the posts. In doing so Macfarlane was severely mauled. The referee awarded a free kick to Aberdeen, much to the relief of the visiting players. The incident created great excitement round the enclosure, and the spectators showed their appreciation of Macfarlane's saving by heartily cheering him. Kilmarnock still maintained the upper hand, Aberdeen being almost entirely confined to their own half of the field. A strong return by Agnew bounced over Gault's head, and in a twinkling the Kilmarnock forwards were rushing in on Macfarlane. The goalkeeper judged the flight of the ball nicely, and cleared his lines with a running kick. Back came the Kilmarnock forwards, and once more the play hovered round Macfarlane. A quick move by Boyle robbed the opposing centre forward of the ball with only the goalkeeper in front. Wilfred Low was next prominent with strong defensive play, while Halkett on the opposite side of the field was playing skilfully, tackling with great effect, while at the same time he rarely forgot to pass ahead to his forwards. Edgar tricked several opponents, and passed out to Ward on the wing. The latter carried the play towards Monteith, and only the timely intervention of McCallum saved the situation for his side. Maxwell had many speedy runs on the Kilmarnock right, and two very fine centres by him were headed out by Boyle, and then Strang cleared almost under the bar from Skillen. Maxwell came very near scoring for Kilmarnock, but Macfarlane was as safe as the proverbial bank. High shots, fast grounders, and bouncing balls were equally skilfully dealt with. Macfarlane's work was all the more praiseworthy when it is remembered that the Kilmarnock forwards were on him like a flash every time the ball was directed towards goal. Halkett was very much in evidence with neat, effective football, and Ward was ably backed up by the write half, while Edgar also kept the outside man on the move. One of the best openings of the day fell to Linward, who, with a goal at his mercy, shot wildly to the opposite corner of the field. The slipper a ball, however, was difficult to manipulate, and this may put down as the cause of the indifferent shooting of several of the Kilmarnock forwards. Agnew, from fully 50 yards out, sent in a terrific shot along the ground. One of the Aberdeen players got in the way, however, and accidentally saved a certain goal. Try as they could, Kilmarnock could not beat Macfarlane. The ball bobbed heather and thither within a yard or so of goal, only to be headed out by Boyle and Gault, or fisted away by Macfarlane. After 30 minutes' play the first goal of the match was scored, and, as fate would have it, Aberdeen were the lucky side. Ward raced up the right wing, and being hampered by Agnew, the Aberdeen man failed to get in his cross. However, a corner followed. Ward placed neatly, and Edgar, meeting the ball in a good position, shot for goal. Monteith jumped up, and brought down the ball, which landed in front of McKinley. The Aberdeen centre could not help scoring, and Aberdeen stood one up. Ward got away again on the right, but was brought down by Agnew. Nearing half-time Kilmarnock made desperate efforts to get on an equality. There was no question as to their superiority. Maxwell dribbled cleverly, and time and again sent across beautiful centres. Over anxiety on the part of the other forwards spoiled numerous easy chances. The Aberdeen defence never wavered, and Macfarlane's brilliance had a splendid effect on the backs, whose work was of the highest class. Aberdeen, although not enjoying the bulk of the play, exhibited many neat touches when they did get the way, Henry Low in particular doing well. Edgar was also clever. The last-named started a neat passing run. In turn it inside right did the ball to McKinley, who subsequently give it to Henry Low. The last-named shot with great force, Monteith bringing off a capital save. Just before half-time Macfarlane saved stinging shots from Maxwell, Skillen, and Linward. The shot from a last-named was stopped on the post.

When the game was resumed, rain fell in torrents. Kilmarnock had to face the elements, which was not encouraging to them, considering that they were a goal down. Aberdeen at once took the game in hand, but the nature of the play toned down considerably. The drenching rain rendered accurate play well nigh out of the question. Still there were flashes of clever individual and combined play on both sides, although hard driving was perhaps the best style to adopt under the circumstances. Even with the wind and rain in their favour, Aberdeen did not monopolize the play. Kilmarnock's extreme wingers were very active, and repeatedly threatened the Aberdeen goal. Strong, co-a-head football by Shaw (to centre half) was of immense benefit to Kilmarnock. The play, on the whole, was the reverse of scientific, but the pace maintained by the players kept up interest in the game. McKinley and Henry Low got through, but offside spoiled their openings. The centre was frequently pulled up for infringements of the offside rule. Macfarlane thrice cleared high shots from the left wing, and on one occasion was penalized for carrying the ball too far. The free kick to Kilmarnock brought nothing. Keeping up the pressure, the home forwards got past all opposition, but Halkett suddenly dashed across the field and cleared - not a moment too soon. Seventeen minutes after the resumption Aberdeen were two up. A quick pass to the left found Henry Low in possession. He cleverly tricked the write half and back, and then seeing McKinley one nicely placed, Low transferred to the centre forward, who went straight ahead and completely beat Monteith from the penalty line. Kilmarnock, however, did not lie down. Indeed, they went off with a bang, and in two minutes the reduced Aberdeen's lead by one. The goal was scored by Linward, received a pass from Shaw, and beating Boyle on the run, left winger cut into goal and beat Macfarlane with a swift, low shot. The excitement at this turn of events was intense, and for a time Kilmarnock hemmed in their opponents. Halkett up his knees in a collision with one of the Kilmarnock players. He went out on the right wing, Edgar dropping into half-back, while Ward played at inside right. A chance shot by Boyle from midfield was stopped on the line by Monteith, who fumbled the ball, and almost gave away a goal. A surprise centre by Haxton was with difficulty cleared by Monteith. Kilmarnock then took up the running. The forwards rushed past the halves and backs, but Macfarlane run out and kicked the ball clear. Kilmarnock kept up a continuous bombardment around the Aberdeen goal, where Boyle, Gault, and Macfarlane played brilliantly. Ward and Edgar also rendered great assistance in defending the goal, and it was nothing short of marvellous where Kilmarnock failed to equalise. Tired of defending, Aberdeen transfer to play to the other end. Agnew on one occasion failed to get his kick in, when Halkett rushed ahead and fastened onto the ball. Dribbling in fine style, he crossed to Henry Low, who, keeping behind Halkett, picked up the pass and beat Monteith for the third time. Kilmarnock were completely taken aback, and although they pressed hard right up to the finish, Aberdeen kept their goal intact, and retired winners of an exciting game by 3 goals to 1. Kilmarnock had the most of the play, but MacFarlane's brilliant goal keeping turned the tide in favour of his side. Aberdeen made the most of the chances, and one accordingly. The gate amounted to £70, all in.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 29th October 1906

A Welcome Win.

It has been our unfortunate position to rail against the ineffective forward play of the Abereen this season. We are pleased to be able to chronicle that, so far as Saturday's display at Rugby Park was concerned, no fault could be found on this score. Coming to the play, Aberdeen did not go in for much of the fine work of close passing, and on a heavy pitch it did not pay to do so. Ever on the alert for an opening, they gave Monteith no rest, and their shooting was on the mark. The difference between them and Kilmarnock is this! that the latter kept a close touch on the ball and expected to run it through, but were always baulked by Macfarlane and his backs. Once "Rab" made one of the most sensational saves we have seen, getting the ball round the corner, with five or six men on his top. How he got that ball round the corner was a mystery to all who saw it, though he suffered severely in the ordeal. Well done, Rab. Keeping wide of the fielders, Aberdeen got some sting behind their shots and it was little more than we expected when Henry Low seized a return from Monteith, and put the ball beyond his reach. The "Wasps" took the play into the home side's camp after the wash-up at half-time, and, as they were aided with the breeze, it did not require the same effort to keep the "Killie" lads in hand. McKinley got through on his own, and left the stalwart goalkeeper no chance. After this, Aberdeen was top dog all the time, and they came away with a creditable win by 3 goals to 1. The score speaks for itself, despite the parochial criticisms of some papers.

Chatty Bits.

Aberdeen enthusiasts were happy with themselves on Saturday night. Who could blame them?
Our half-time result from Kilmarnock put the spectators at Pittodrie in good humour with themselves. We were also enabled to get the full-time result before the crowd had entirely dispersed, and this had a most cheering effect.
Willie Lennie was a spectator at Pittodrie on Saturday, and seemed to greatly enjoy the game, especially as his side was winning.
The general verdict was that nicer football than that served in the first half at Pittodrie has not been seen for many a day.
We do not see how the League can entertain a protest on darkness when the referee finished the game. It there was any delay, Arbroath were to blame, as they had to be called on twice by the referee before they came out at half-time.
Rarely have the A's been in such deadly form as they were on Saturday. There was no weakling in the team.
The new man - McDonald - was closely watched, and the verdict was a good one. McDonald gave every indication of being able to look after himself, and he had as good a test to get through as was possible to give him.
Had there been a less efficient referee than Mr. Deans, we are afraid there would have been "bonnets on the green."
After a prolonged absence, little Jaffrey signalised his reappearance by cleverly scoring both goals at Central Park.
R. G. Tait, the county cricketer, turned out for the Aberdeen on Saturday. With very little training and a heavy ground to contend with, he made a capital appearance.
There will be some difficulty in getting a date for the replay of this tie.
The cupholders were ousted on Saturday, Fraserburgh beat Peterhead by 4-2. This is splendid work, and the "Brochers" deserve credit. They have worked hard and long for this success.
Buckie Thistle beat Turriff by 4-2, and the 'Varsity and had a drawn game.
The last hope of the north got extinguished on Saturday Qualifying ties. Clachnacuddin got defeated by Raith Rovers, and Forfar Athletic put up a poor fight against St. Bernards.

Source: Bon-Accord, 1st November 1906