Aberdeen 1 - 1 Albion Rovers

But for the stumbling block of a brilliant goalkeeper against them, Aberdeen A should have notched a runaway victory against Albion Rovers A at Pittodrie on Saturday. As it was they had to be content with a division of the points, despite the fact that they were the more dangerous side practically throughout. The pitch was sodden after a forenoon's rain, but it was dry overhead when the game started before about 3000 spectators.
Aberdeen's new recruits - Cairns (Auchinleck Talbot), at left back; Neil (Benburb), centre half; and Thomson, of another West of Scotland junior club, at centre-forward - all acquitted themselves well, although Thomson had the misfortune to be injured at the start the second half, and was little good after his return. Neil was one of the star turns in the home team; he was here, there, and everywhere, and, if his lack of inches was against him, he made up for it in tireless breaking-up and forcing work. Moir struck his best form at outside right, and his partnership with Mutch, who was also in tip-top form, and got his side's goal, was one of the most fruitful in the game. Forbes and Grant were also a fine pair, the former shooting at every opportunity, and confirming previous good opinions of his capabilities. Dick was quite a success at right half. Watt had Bell, the ex-Dundee centre, who figured at outside right for the visitors, on toast for the greater part of the game, and was a tower of strength. Bruce and Cairns opened shakily and were inclined to leave their goal too open, but latterly they settled down, Cairns particular giving a sound display. Lawrie made one costly mistake when he threw himself too soon at a weak shot from Abrines, and allowed it to roll on to the post and thence into the net. He kept a good goal otherwise, however, and had several daring clearances in the second half.

Great Keeper.

For the visitors, Smith was far and away the best man in the team, and but for him their downfall would have been certain. All kinds of shots and headers were alike to him, and he clutched one and all in confident fashion. His stay with the second team should be a short one. McLaren was the better of two moderate backs, while McBeth was a stumbling-block at centre-half. The wing halves had a hot pair in Moir and Grant, and put in a gruelling afternoon chasing the elusive Aberdeen men. Bell and McQuade got little rope, although the latter tried hard. McLean was a good leader, but got little opportunity to shine, while Abrines and Young up a moderate left wing.
There were only two notable incidents in the game - one where Aberdeen claimed a penalty off Campbell for handling the ball, and the other where they appealed for a goal when one of the visiting backs kicked out a shot by Grant when the ball was apparently over the line. Both claims were disallowed, and the ire of the crowd was let loose on the referee, Mr. J. Weir, Stenhousemuir. Some of whose other decisions also got him with the crowd.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal 1st January 1923