Dundee 2 - 2 Aberdeen

The strong rivalry between these clubs resulted in the roughest match ever played between the teams. In the first half play was good, and inclined to Dundee's favour, though Aberdeen scored first. Lennie being left unattended by Lawson, had nothing to do but shoot. Dundee could not find an opening until McIntosh handled in the penalty area, and Bellamy converted. Close on half-time the feeling that was creeping into the game resulted in O'Hagan and Lawson being ordered off. This necessitated a rearrangement of the teams, and subsequently play was poor. The game became rough and tumble. Hunter scored for Dundee and McEchern for Aberdeen, the final result being two goals each. Total drawings £332.

Source: The Scotsman, 14th December 1908

The return league game between Aberdeen and Dundee at Dens Park, Dundee, on Saturday was favoured with splendid weather, a clear, frosty atmosphere prevailing throughout the afternoon. On October 24th the teams played a drawn game at Pittodrie, when the scores were one goal each. The teams again divided the points on Saturday, the scores being two goals each. There was a great crowd of spectators when the teams appeared on the field, fully 10,000 being on the ground. It was estimated that there were fully four teen 1000 spectators inside the enclosure after half-time. Both clubs were at full strength, and at 2:20 elevens lined up as follows:-

Aberdeen: Mutch; Colman, Hume; Halkett, McIntosh, Low; McEchern, Simpson, McNair, O'Hagan, Lennie.
Dundee: Crumley; Lawson, Chaplin; Lee, Dainty, Neal; Bellamy, Langlands, Hunter, Macfarlane, Fraser.
Referee - Mr. Riddell, Edinburgh.

Dundee won the toss, but no advantage was gained, there being no wind. Aberdeen kicked off, Simpson and McEchern racing away on the right wing. Simpson tried a shot on the run, but sent wide of the posts. Play at once became interesting. The ground was in first-rate order for good football, and the Dundee players were not long in settling down to a nice, open game. A clever move by Langlands and Hunter brought the play to the Aberdeen end of the field, where Hume came to the rescue of his side with a strong punt down the field. Dundee returned to the attack, Fraser leading the way on the left wing. He crossed in front of goal, Hume blocking the ball, at the same time giving away a corner. The ball was nicely placed by Fraser, and the Aberdeen goal ran a narrow escape, Mutch rushing out and clearing amid a crowd of players. Lee got on the ball and returned it with great force, is shot just missing the net. Aberdeen were confined to their half of the field for fully 10 minutes, the ball on several occasions being cleared by Mutch, who was particularly safe in everything he did. Lennie relieved the monotony with a sprint along the left wing, but was pulled up by Wilson. Good work by McNair and Lennie looked promising for Aberdeen, but their attacks were of short duration. Hunter lost are rare chance of scoring when he had a clear run into goal. The ball, however, pounced just in front of him, and in his anxiety to get clear of the backs, the centre forward struck the ball with his arm, a free kick being granted Aberdeen. A spell of even play followed. If anything, however, Dundee were the better lot, especially in the front rank. So persistent were Hunter, Langlands, and Macfarlane in their attacks on the Aberdeen goal of the visiting half-backs had to play purely on the defensive, with the result that their forwards got no support, and made little headway. Fraser was presented with a fine opening after clever play by Macfarlane, but Colman stepped in and robbed the left winger of the ball before he had time to get his shot in. Macfarlane was frequently in evidence among the Dundee forwards, but many of his passes were bungled by Fraser. Hume and McIntosh were strong in defence for Aberdeen, and it was mainly due to the clever tackling of the centre half that Hunter was prevented from scoring. Indeed, it was surprising that Dundee had not scored at least one goal up to this stage of the game. Their forwards worked finely together, but were met by a stubborn defence. Mistakes, however, were frequent near goal, the prevailing excitement being to some extent responsible for the inaccurate shooting of the Dundee forwards. The best shot of the game so far was sent in by Macfarlane, swift drive from the inside left being brilliantly saved by Mutch. The goalkeeper again distinguished himself with a smart clearance following upon a combined movement by Bellamy and Langlands. Aberdeen were rarely across midfield, so severe was the pressure around Mutch. The goalkeeper, however, was splendidly supported by his backs, Hume's kicking being particularly good. The Aberdeen forwards could not get set agoing, the tackling of the Dundee half-backs spoiling any attempt at combination by the Aberdeen front rank. Fraser, who had lost numerous chances of scoring by hanging too long on the ball, eventually got past the Aberdeen backs, but was pulled up for offside close on the goal line. After defending for fully a quarter of an hour, Aberdeen sprang a surprise on Dundee. McEchern got the better of Chaplin, and, running straight ahead, the right winger crossed beautifully in front of goal. The ball came quite slowly along the ground, but somehow none of the Dundee defenders were in a position to clear their lines, while McNair and O'Hagan likewise failed to reach the ball, which came nicely to Lennie. The left winger was unmarked, and he had, therefore, plenty of time to steady himself. He did so, and then let bang, the ball beating Crumley all the way from close range. Dundee replied with a regular bombardment of the Aberdeen goal. A free kick near the penalty line was sent past one of the uprights, while a minute later hunter gave Bellamy a comparatively easy opening, but the right winger shot feebly past. Low, McIntosh, and Halkett played almost entirely on the defensive, the Aberdeen forwards being left to get along as best they could. Feeling crept into the game, and at times the excitement was intense. Colman brought off a brilliant piece of tackling when he pulled up Fraser in capital style. Lee and Macfarlane were penalized for foul play, while Low was also guilty of questionable tactics. A corner to Dundee was followed by exciting play near the Aberdeen goal. Mutch cleared finely, but Lee turned the ball with his head and narrowly missed scoring. This was followed by two shots from Dainty and Lee, which Mutch got rid of smartly. It was only a brief intervals that Aberdeen got to the other end. Bellamy had a brilliant shot, which Mutch caught high up - the goalkeeper being loudly cheered for his fine work. Following this incident came a fine single-handed effort by McNair - quite the tit-bit of the game. Starting from midfield, McNair dribbled right through the Dundee defence, beating man after man in surprising fashion. He was harassed near goal, but got his shot in, which unfortunately missed by a few inches. Lennie and O'Hagan could not get into the game, and as a result the Aberdeen forward play was somewhat ragged. Dundee were easily the better side, and should have been on the lead instead of a goal down. The Dens Park players eventually caught on level terms as the result of a penalty off McIntosh. The centre half tried to breast the ball, but somehow it bounced off his breast and onto his arm. The infringement appeared quite unintentional, but the referee gave his award, and Bellamy beat Mutch with a terrific drive. A minute from half-time of regrettable incident oak CT. But the rose out of a fouled given against Lee who tricked Lennie. Before the free kick was taken, Lawson fouled Lennie a second time. O'Hagan forced and Lawson, to go hold of him around the neck, but did not strike him. The referee, however, took a serious few of the matter and sent both players to the pavilion. Half-time was then called, with a game level.

When the teams turned out after the interval - 10 players a side - it was seen that Aberdeen had kept their defence intact and allowed Lennie to play on the left wing by himself. On the Dundee side Macfarlane dropped to left half, Neal crossed over to write half, while Lee went right back. The rearrangement of the teams and the regrettable incident at the close of the first half had a marked effect on the subsequent play. Aberdeen started off in promising style, Simpson and McEchern rushed past Macfarlane and Chaplin. McEchern, however, shot past, while a minute later a fast drive from Simpson was cleared by Crumley. Play on the whole, however, was uninteresting. There was lots of strong kicking, but the players showed little method in their work. Aberdeen were having the pull this half, but could make little impression on the Dundee defence. Hunter forced matters for his side, but got poor support. On one occasion he was almost through the defence, when Colman rushed across the field and cleared in time. Dainty and Langlands each had good tries - a fine effort by the last named just missing the net. McIntosh sent out a long pass to Lenny, who was tackled by Lee, but got away a second time, Simpson almost gave his side the lead with a surprise shot, which Crumley saved near the bar. Fouls were frequent - to frequent, in fact - and as a consequence the game deteriorated greatly. There was little or no football in the game, and the times the contest developed into a mere scramble. It was a case of getting the ball away at any price, regardless of direction. Science was at a discount, and the players lost the tempers in a most unsportsmanlike fashion. 20 minutes after the restart Dundee took the lead. A long pass by Langlands set Bellamy on the move. Laughter raced ahead, and then crossed to the centre, where Hunter picked up the pass and beat Mutch, the ball being diverted into the net by Hume. The goal was altogether unexpected, forward to this stage Aberdeen had been the more aggressive side. Aberdeen, however, got the equaliser 5 minutes later. Lennie was prominent with several good cross is, and it was from one of his efforts and McEchern were eventually scored the second goal. It was a cleverly-taken goal, being scored from within a couple of yards of the goal line. McEchern screwed the ball in words, and it curled into the net, Crumley being completely deceived. From this stage until the finish the game was poor in the extreme. Aberdeen, if anything, had the best of matters, and came very near scoring on several occasions. However, it is almost useless to go into further details, long before the game was finished all interest had gone out of the contest.

Taken all over and grow it was all that the game was worth. Dundee were the better side in the first half, but Aberdeen came away in the second period, and were full value for their point.

The gate realised £281 2s 6d; stands, £51 8s 9d - total, £332 11s 5d.

Over 200 extortionists travelled to Dundee from Aberdeen to witness the game.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 14th December 1908

N.B. The SFA Rough Play Committee subsequently suspended the players ordered off for one month for "getting into grips and butting each other."

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 24th December 1908

A Rousing Game.

During the past two seasons Aberdeen have held their own on the football field against Dundee, and, as the first game this season in the Scottish League at Pittodrie ended most unsatisfactorily for Aberdonians, great interest was manifested in the return fixture at Dens Park on Saturday. In these hard-up times, over 300 local enthusiasts took advantage of the "special" train to Dundee, which greatly pleased the promotors, who were somewhat doubtful of their venture. The local team left with the 10.30 North British train, so that there would be no hurrying on arrival, and in this they displayed wisdom in their action. It was a pleasant surprise to find the weather in Dundee spring-like, albeit a little cold, but just such a day as the footballer delights in. The crowd gathered very fast, and over 14,000 were permitted to witness a great first half, which was shorn of its brilliance in the second period by an unfortunte incident which occurred shortly before changing ends. To make a long story short, and only touch on the most interesting points which occurred, is all that may be expected here. Aberdeen lost the toss, and had to commence operation's with the sun and wind against them. There was cheering to be remembered when Aberdeen's right winger carried the ball well into their opponent's territory, and, in doing so, their play might he described as class. Dundee had a short visit to the other end, and when their attempts were frustrated by Mutch and the backs, there was a spell of slack play. Exactly fifteen minutes had gone when McEachern raced off on the right, crossing the ball very low but swiftly - there was too much spin on it for the two backs - Lennie gathered the ball, and, steadying till the curl stopped, planted the ball well into the net. A short time after O'Hagan scored, but the referee gave offside, and it was not till thirty minutes had gone that Macintosh gave away a penalty, and allowed Dundee to get level. Within a few minutes from half-time, the sensation of the afternoon occurred. Lennie had got away with the ball, and was tackled by Lee, who fell, but kept the ball between his legs, Lennie endeavoured to extract it, and, in doing so is alleged to have kicked Lee. Wether this was so or not we failed to oberve, but Lawson came across and kicked Lennie, which O'Hagan resented, and kept Lawson from doing further damage by holding him by the shoulders. The referee ordered both off, and we must say that "Charlie" got quite an ovation as he left the field without protestation. The period ended one goal each. There wasnot the same interest in the second period, neither was the play so good, but what there was of it went in favour of Aberdeen. By a pure accident, Dundee got on the lead for the first time. Hume slipped when attempting to stop Dundee's centre, and the ball was diverted from its course into the corner of the net out of Mutch's reach. Had this not been so, the goalkeeper was getting the shot all the way. Lennie was moving much beter during this half, and some of his runs were thrilling, and were bound to have counted with Charlie O'Hagan alongside of him. However, Lennie sent across a high ball with considerable force, which Crumley thought he could reach, but was deceived with its flight. With a less experienced player than McEachern, the effort would have gone for nothing, but the neat way he slipped in, raising the ball over the goalkeeper's head into the net, showed that there was thought behind the effort. There was very little to record after this except that desperation played a big part, and several incidents occurred which we thought deserved more summary treatment, but these were winked at, and the game fi.nished with the score 2 goals each.

Play and Players.

In the open there was very little to choose between the two sides. At close quarters Dundee never looked like scoring, their shooting being straight on every time. Mutch cleared the shots with ease, and never looked troubled except once during the whole game, and it was a surprise volley from a half-back which he tipped over the bar. On the home side, Chaplin was the better of the two backs, and played a clean game, while Lawson, on being beaten invariably, took it with a bad grace. This was also Lee's game, who is regarded by most Aberdonians with as great disfavour as a previous player in the same position. Dainty and Neal were players of a different class, working for the ball without a taint of illegality about their play. Bellamy and Langlands were the best pair, Hunter being too well watched to get dangerous. Macfarlane was good, but Fraser made a lot of mistakes. Mutch was excellent on the home side, and but for Hume getting in the way, the score would have been 2-1. Coleman and Hume, as a pair, were better than Dundee's, while the halves did remarkably well, Macintosh being the pick. All the forwards played well, there not being a weakling in the lot. What the score might have been had O'Hagan not been put off, it is difficult to say, but we think that some of Lennie's efforts in the second half would have been utilised to some advantage. McEchern and Simpson deserve praise for their work which was always profitable, and at the same time possessed a charm about, it for neatness. McNair got on better against Dainty than at any time we have seen them together.

Chatty Bits.

Aberdeen had several consoling features on Saturday to overweigh the unfortunate one which took place at Dens Park.
They had the share of a good gate and a point on the League table, while their excursion turned out a success.
Further, the " A" team secured a brace of points, which lifts them well up in the Northern League table.
Nor was this all. The "gate" at Pittodrie was almost double what has been the case in the past few matches the "A" team have figured in.
Hume got a rather painful kick on the leg at Dens Park, which has caused him considerable trouble during the week.
We are in thorough sympathy with our friend Charlie O'Hagan, who was made to suffer the indignity of leaving the field for an offence which in the eyes of those who saw it was a most trifling one.
As becomes a good kid, he took his orders without demur, and got cheered for his bearing through a trying ordeal.
The incident seemed to take a great deal of interest out of the game, but it nowise stopped the feeling amongst the players.
O'Hagan will, not forget the reception he got on his arrival at Aberdeen, where he was carried shoulder high from the station.
To have seen the enthusiasm at the station one would have thought that the Scottish Cup had been won, so great was the ovation to the players.
One thing we thing right to point out, however, is that for the sake of the game such incidents as occurred on Saturday should never be countenanced by the authorities, and ought to be put down.
For this reason, that it gives the anti-footbailers a nice peg to demonstrate their antipathy to the game.
If the weather keeps as open as it has been during this week, there should be one of the largest crowds at Pittodrie on Saturday that have been present this season.
The Celts will prove the most attractive fixture of the series so far.

Source: Bon-Accord, 17th December 1908

The Player's View of His Sending Off

Unusually for those far off days, we have a detailed viewpoint of his dismissal from Charlie O'Hagan in his own words. He wrote this in his column "My Football Reminiscences" in the Bon-Accord:

The Dundee Episode.

Since I penned my last article, another incident, has loomed up in my football career, and rather an unfortunate one I must admit, and my dismissal from the field at Dens Park may show my character in a different light than that which I was generally credited with, but if the true facts were fully known to the public I am certain their sympathy would be with me, and the episode in which I was one of the chief actors would soon pass into oblivion. This week I am deviating from the subject which I originally intended writing about, but I am anxious to put the bare facts of the Dundee match before all northern enthusiasts, and thus allow them to digest, and weigh up the matter for themselves.
In the first place, I emphatically state that I should never have been ordered off, and in his decision the referee committed as big an error of judgment as it is possible for a knight of the whistle to perpetrate. I stood for a moment in blank amazement when he directed me to the pavilion, but I speedily realised the gravity of the situation and walked in the direction indicated with an air that would have done credit (so I am informed) to a drum-major in the Guards. It is not at all a dignified position to find one's self in, and my thoughts as I trooped off are indescribable. All our lads were extremely sorry, and expressed their displeasure at the referee's action, but when that official decides, it is the best policy not to question his ruling, but to acknowledge it at once.
The action never deserved such punishment, but this is poor consolation to me indeed. The Glasgow press was very considerate in its treatment of the affair, and expressed its views in no half-hearted manner, but I noticed one of the Dundee dailies held different views on the matter, and openly accused me and likened my "crime" to the attitude adopted by Jimmy Quinn on that memorable occasion when he took up the cudgels on behalf of a clubmate at Easter Road. "I had no business to fight Lennie's battles," it said, but here again it was incorrect; for I did not want to fight, but, on the contrary, I strove to save the little chap from the assault which I imagined. Lawson intended continuing. Lennie had been illegally floored by Lawson, whom I immediately caught and held in such a manner that he could do no further damage. We stood in this manner for a few seconds wrangling, and tried to impress each other in a way other than that adopted by chivalrous-like gentlemen. Yet we never dared to strike, nor did we, "butt" each other's heads, as the referee has complained. In. fact, this is the chief point in the charge which I must answer for before this article appears.

In a few hours' time I will be steaming south to Glasgow to defend myself before "the powers that be," and even though I can vouch for my innocence I'm very much afraid that I'll go the same way most professional followers tread when they are summoned before the Rough Play tribunal. Therefore, I am forced to agree with the view entertained by most of the Aberdeen followers, and that is that I shall be reluctantly compelled to rest for a short period and watch with interest how my club will fare at the approaching busy season.
I am sorry for the club, for it must suffer to some extent as well as me, and here I might suggest that the International Board of Control should seriously consider the advisability of altering their law and at least only punish the offender and not the organisation with which he is connected. But I won't be kept long in suspense, and if fate decrees adversely, then I will move swiftly across the Irish Channel and spend Christmas in the Dear Homeland.

Source: Bon-Accord, 24th December 1908