Aberdeen 3 - 1 Port Glasgow

These teams met at Aberdeen before 4000 spectators. Aberdeen made some drastic changes in their team from that which went down to Clyde. The pitch was still heavy, Murray opened the scoring for Aberdeen, and Hagan equalised for the visitors, the sides crossing level. Aberdeen had most of the game in the closing stages and Dalgarno scored twice. A poor game ended :- Aberdeen, three; Port Glasgow, one.

Source: The Scotsman, 4th January 1909

Aberdeen met Port-Glasgow at Pittodrie on Saturday in a Scottish League fixture, and, considering the fresh weather, the pitch was in wonderfully good condition, showing little trace of the severe "hacking" it sustained in the previous day's match. The home team showed considerable change from the combination that met Clyde. Much was displaced by King in goal, well in the half line Davidson took Halkett's place. There was also a rearrangement among the forwards, Dalgarno acting as pivot, while Niblo dropped in beside Lennie, and Murray along with Blackburn. There was an attendance of about 6000 when the teams lined up as follows:-

Aberdeen: King; Colman, Hume; Davidson, McIntosh, Wilson; Blackburn, Murray, Dalgarno, Niblo, Lennie.
Port-Glasgow: Thompson; Jackson, Ritchie; Colville, Munro, Lynch; Ruddiman, Hagan, Gourly, T. Findlay, R. Findlay.
up Referee - Mr. J. Riddell, Edinburgh.

Aberdeen had the benefit of the toss, and set the strangers to face a slanting sunshine. The Port front line at once moved up towards King, and for a time the home defence had as much as they could do to block the shots which came in from all directions. Tom Findlay ultimately sent the ball behind, but the siege was not raised. The pressure was heavy, and too long to be comfortable for the ground team, but Davidson came to the rescue with a huge clearing punt, which allowed Aberdeen to make their first invasion of the Port's territory. The right wing came down nicely, but the effort was abruptly terminated by an offside ruling. It was a commencement, however, and Aberdeen followed it up with good hard work. Niblo tried a chance drive which almost knocked Jackson over, and then McIntosh had along pot shot, which went wide of the mark. The pressure was now strong on the visitors' citadel, and a foul against Blackburn came as a happy relief. The Port men worked hard, and the movement down the centre what the brothers Findlay off. The inside man centred well, but McIntosh was at hand, and cleared the danger in rare style. Fine work by Wilson let the left wing away, but Lennie failed to carry the ball with him. A slight touch of temper was creeping into the game now, and in the course of an invasion by Aberdeen, McIntosh and Munro had a tiff. Racing up on the left, Robert Findlay flashed in amassed a shot, which King attempted to punt out. The keepers kick was faulty, but in a scramble for possession of the leather, one of the Port forwards fouled, and the danger was averted. There was a spell of uninteresting play in the Aberdeen end, but McIntosh opened up the game with a find clearing kick to the left wing. Lennie made off along the line, and completely wandered Jackson in a diddling bout, afterwards squaring nicely in front of Thomson. Dalgarno and Murray both dashed for the ball with their heads, but the ball skimmed past, and then Blackburn sent narrowly behind. When Robert Findlay had tested King with a swift shot, Niblo who was playing well to Lennie, let his partner off. This was the first exciting incident of the match, the Aberdeen winger again outwitted Jackson, and running on Thompson. He finished with a fast low drive for the corner of the net, but the custodian dived for the ball, and he effected a brilliant clearance. From this moment Aberdeen appeared to realise that they were masters, and the half backs joined with the forwards in the attack. Wilson was well up to his Friday's form, and worked like a Trojan, porting at goal and smashing up the combination of the Port front line. Niblo played the long passing game, and it was frequently due to his movements that the homesters were able to get so far in upon the strangers' goal. Jackson and Ritchie played a sound defence, however, and the latter took his side out of a difficult position but a smart bit of tackling. The Pittodrie men were not to be shaken off, however, and the mysterious foul awarded Aberdeen near the penalty line give Niblo are rare chance. McIntosh lifted the ball high, and when Niblo got it and run in all looked for the leading goal, which Aberdeen so well merited. It was not to be, however, for the inside left, in trying for the top of the net, banged the ball high over the bar. The Port men showed good football when the opportunity offered, but they found the bustling tactics of the home defence too much for them. They pressed for a brief spell, but were never really dangerous. McIntosh turned the tide, and running down with the ball, passed out to Lennie to, who, along with Niblo, circumvented the Port backs. Jackson recovered, and returned weakly. Meantime Burt Murray had come across from the right, and he banged in a long shot with terrific force. Thomson never saw the ball till it rested in the net. The Aberdeen left wing was getting the bulk of the play, and when Wilson fed the winger, the latter set off in his characteristic style, working into goal, with Jackson at his heels. Lennie went close up, and delivered a terrific shot, which Thomson turned aside in much the same manner as he had done before. A minute later Blackburn led the van, and then parted to Dalgarno. The pivot had only to pass to Lenny and a goal was certain, but he elected to try for himself. His slanting shot came passed the off post, and although the left winger made a valiant effort to direct the swift ball into the net, he was unsuccessful. The remainder of the period saw Aberdeen pressing almost continuously, but their efforts at goal-getting met with no reward. The only performance worthy of note on the Port side was a good run by the Findlays, and a shot from the outside man, but King was safe.

Shortly after the resumption it seemed that the strangers were to make a bold bid for points. The Aberdeen right wing made good progress, but after a fruitless corner, Port rushed clear up the field, carrying all before them. For a time the home backs were in difficulties, but they came out of the ordeal well, and a brilliant run up by Blackburn carried the venue to Thomson's end. The wing man simply waded through all opposition, and finished with a hot shot, which Thomson found none too easy to return. Yet, again, the right winger came up in dashing style, and on this occasion he presented the sphere to Niblo, who headed in the net in a trice. A great ovation greeted this performance, but the crowd was doomed to disappointment, for the referee disallowed the point for offside. It was now the turn of the visitors, and they simply bombarded King. Again and again the shot, but the custodian was keen on keeping a clean sheet, and he sent out three times in quick succession. The blood of the Glasgow men was up, however, and by sheer force they pressed in upon the home defence. A fierce scrimmage ensued in front of goal, and in the course of the rushing about Gourlay got in a hard curling shot, which completely outwitted King, and landed in the far corner of the net. Excitement ran high at this stage, and although Port deserve the point on play for the time being, Aberdeen ought to have had the lead. The reverse appeared to inspire the homesters two more strenuous work, and the at once made tracks for Thomson's charge. The half-backs joined the forwards in the attack, and even Colman and Hume, who were lying close up, could not resist the temptation to try a pot occasionally. The pressure was tremendous, and the ball hovered about in the immediate vicinity of the goal, but excitement and the sticky ground probably accounted for numerous easy chances being missed. The siege was raised for a time by Thomson, who threw the ball clear, one Aberdeen had warmed to their work, and the swooped down on Jackson and Ritchie in a body. Niblo had a great opportunity, but to the chagrin of the local crowd, he slipped when on the point of shooting. Still the struggle raged immediately in front of the visitors' citadel and although the defence worked strenuously they could not get in a clearing kick. A great cheer rose when Dalgarno was seen to disengage himself from the throng, and make towards goal. The young pivot maneuvered nicely among the crowd of players, and ultimately delivered a shot which it was impossible for Thomson to hold. If there was not much science in the game there was plenty of excitement. Port tried to force matters again, but King disposed of a sound shot from Bob Findlay, and then an abortive corner resulted. The It lay up with Blackburn to carry the attack up to the other end, and he raced along the heavy pitch in great style. Niblo failed to avail himself of the wingers cross, and then the Port made off on the right, when Tom Ruddiman sent high over the bar. Blackburn seemed to be in his element, and he flashed up the wing again, beating all opposition, and leaving Ritchie well behind. The outside right sent over one of his characteristic crosses from the corner-flag, and then Lennie placed nicely for Dalgarno, who had nothing to do but bang into the net at close range. There was no mistake about the point, and this seemed to satisfy the home lot. They simply penned the Glasgow men in their own half of the field for the remainder of the period, pressing always, but evidently making no serious effort to increase their lead. Ford seldom got beyond mid-line, and the game finished easily in aberdeen's favour.

SUMMING UP

In view of the changes in the Aberdeen team, the Pittodrie crowd were pleasantly surprised. It was not long before it was evident that the local men were to make a good show, and the appeared to even greater advantage in the second period. The home front line was good as a whole, with the two outside men most prominent. McIntosh was the pick of the half line. The defence had nothing serious to do till the second half. King deserves a word of commendation for his performance in goal. On the Port side the forwards were not effective, and most of the dangerous work came from the brothers Findlay. Munro was strong in the middle line, while Jackson and Ritchie were sound in defence. To Thomson his two great credit. He made some great saves, and but for his skill his side would have had to record a heavier defeat. The drawings amounted to £124 15s 3d.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 4th January 1909

With the pitch in better condition, and several radical changes in the team, Aberdeen placed a good win to their credit on Saturday against Port-Glasgow. One could hardly have believed that there would be such an improvement in the pitch as there was; banked round with huge piles of snow, melting under the strong sun. Eyerybody seemed to be looking for changes in the home team, and the only curiosity was as to who the newcomers would be. Simpson, Halkett, and Mutch were out for the day, and Dalgarno, Davidson, and King displaced the others. Port-Glasgow were at full strength, having had a hard game on New Year's Day with Dundee. The visitors moved swiftly along at the start, getting one or two likely crosses which Coleman and Hume were able to deal with. Lennie raised the enthusiasm first by one of his characteristic runs, beating down all opposition, and sending a warm one to the goalkeeper. Pressing hard after this, the home side got a fine goal through Bert Murray, who had wandered over to the left and slung in a shot, which beat the defence all the way. Dalgarno raced through on his own, and ought to have scored, but he passed too strong to Lennie, and a glorious chance went for nothing. Several good openings were missed through sheer anxiety, but no further scoring took place in this half.

On resuming, Port-Glasgow had a look-in, but again Aberdeen were at fault with a fine cross from Lennie, which ought to have counted, three of the front men missing the ball in their endeavours to get it through. A burst up the field let the Port get their only goal, a high drooping shot landing in the far corner of the net. Aberdeen went great guns after this, and Dalgarno was the means of piloting through other two goals. The closing portion was rather tame, sustained effort being wanting on both sides. It was gratifying to the Aberdeen supporters to have a victory of 3-1 to their credit after the previous day's display.

Play and Players

There have been sensational happenings in the closing days of last year, the local management having to enforce discipline to the extent of putting one player on the transfer list, and heavily fining others. It has been apparent for some time that something would have to be done, and we trust nothing more will be required to keep harmony in the camp, which is at all times desirable for all, parties. The new players have now been seen and talked over. Bert Murray has justified his inclusion in the team, but it is quite patent that Niblo does not make such a good partner to Lennie as O'Hagan. Nevertheless, there is good football in the player if he could be placed in the proper place, where his powers could be utilised to advantage. Stewart Davidson had a strong wing against him, and clearly demonstrated that he is fit for good company at any time. King in goal got very little to do, and may be said to have never got tested in the struggle. With a continuance of good weather, we will have a better opportunity this week of judging as to a reconstruction of the team.

Chatty Bits.

Great credit is due the Aberdeen management for their courage in tackling the clearing of the grounds in such a short time.
The reward came in two good gates on the Friday and Saturday, and they would have been larger had it been more generally known that the grounds were clear.
About £300 were taken on the two days. Just fancy what the club would have dropped, though the expense of clearing was great.
The storm was not realised in the south, and those who came north were amazed at its magnitude in such a short time.
There has been more sensations in the south as to players. Sharp has left the Rangers and gone to Fulham, for whom he will play this week.
It has been well-known for some time back that Sharp was not on the best of terms with his Glasgow friends. At the same time, it came as a surprise that he was going back Fulham.
To certain clubs who were after the international back his short stay with the Rangers was the cause for rejoicing.
There has been trouble in several English clubs during this holidaying time. Footballers seem to forget what is expected of them during the festive season.
For another week at anyrate, Aberdeen will be without the services of Mutch, Halkett, and Low unless they make a speedier recovery than is expected.
Low does feel able, but it was the doctor's orders that he should rest last week.
Young Wilfrid Toman of the "A" Team underwent an operation last week, and is now recovering as rapidly as could be expected, though it will be some time before he is able to Play.
The number of invalids Aberdeen have at present will make it difficult to get two teams selected, unless there are speedy recoveries before the end of the week.
MacIntosh received a wire of the death of a re1ative after Saturday's game, and left for home immediately. That was the reason of his absence on Tuesday.
Maryhill had a rather hard experience in their northern tour, and got stranded in Aberdeen on New Year's Day - further they could ot get.
They appealed to Aberdeen as to what they should do, and, in the circumstances, the home club agreed to increase their guarantee rather than that they should [have] lost both games and money at the same time.
Their play against Aberdeen Reserves on Monday cleanly demonstrated them a team above the ordinary run of junior combinations. They have some clever players who are well worth watching, and we have no doubt Aberdeen were looking on with critical eyes.
Maryhill might have won by more than one goal - a penalty - had they pressed home their advantages. It was a fine game all through.
Macpherson, who kept goal for Aberdeen, is an Invernessian, and his display on Monday stamps him as a custodian of more than ordinary ability.
The rush of holiday fixtures is now over, and clubs will settle down to prepare their forces for the cup-ties.
With the defeat of the Celts on Saturday, the League championship becomes an open question between four clubs.
Prior to the Rugby Park failure, the Celts were being looked on as a dead pinch for the flag.
We note that Aberdeen is not the only club having trouble with their players. Leith have had to take drastic steps.

Source: Bon-Accord, 7th January 1909