The Aberdeen reserves did not impress by their performance against Dundee A at Pittodrie in the first Alliance game on Saturday. The draw of one goal each was justified, but Aberdeen would not have been lucky had they gathered both points. The teams relied more on vigour than accuracy or neatness, and interest was spoiled by frequent shows of temper which led to incidents unpleasant to watch. The Aberdeen goal was very safe in the custody of Wood, who several times delighted the crowd with clearances from a few yards. Thomson did more and better work than Bruce at back, but their defence was not so reliable as that at the other end. The best of an indifferent half-back line was Armstrong, who was extremely neat and effective in all he did, and although Moir, of Vale of Clyde, was not hustled, he showed himself to be a player who would not fail in an emergency. Aberdeen were best served on the day by A. Moir, who controlled play on the right wing throughout. His dash teased the opposition and the long crosses he dropped in goalmouth time and again were models. Too many chances did not come the way of Ross of Richmond at centre, but his distribution and finishing were admirable, and the goal he put on was an index of his able exhibition. But, all over, Aberdeen were weak, and will have to cultivate an understanding between the departments and rub down many rough parts among the indivisuals. Most distinctive in the Dundee ranks was Gordon at inside left. Some of his movements were fascinating, and all of them artistic and sure. He counted for Dundee three minutes after the start, and it was only Wodd?s nimbleness that prevented his tally being greater. His partner was Dave McDonald, who left Dens Park eighteen months ago after a keg accident, and after a season with East Fife, was signed on again by Dundee on Saturday. He has lost some of his old speed and trickery, but was a most dependable forward.
Source: Press & Journal, 23rd August 1923