Falkirk 1 - 0 Aberdeen

At Falkirk, before 6000 spectators. Falkirk pressed continuously for the first fifteen minutes. Simpson and McTavish were prominent on the Falkirk right, and good play on their part led to a score at an early stage. The ball was crossed to Brown, who, when several yards out, drove it into the net. Aberdeen rallied, but their passing play was ineffective, and the only chance to score in the first half was missed by H. Murray. In the Falkirk pressed till half-time, when they led by one goal to nothing. In the second half play at the start continued to favour Falkirk, and McTavish missed by the narrowest of margins. Latterly Aberdeen made an attack on the Falkirk goal, Soye, O'Hagan, and T. Murray leading several rushes, which the Falkirk defence had difficulty in coping with. Towards the close Falkirk became once more aggressive but there was no scoring. Result:- Falkirk, one goal; Aberdeen, nothing.

Source: The Scotsman, 1st November 1909

The Aberdeen team visited Falkirk on Saturday in a Scottish League fixture, and as the clubs were running a close race for second position on the league table, the game aroused considerable interest in Falkirk and surrounding district. There were fully 8000 spectators present when the following players lined up at 3:15:-

Falkirk: Stewart; Taylor, Leishman; McDonald, Anderson, McMillan; J. Simpson, McTavish, Logan, Mitchell, Brown.
Aberdeen: Mutch; Colman, Hume; Wilson, Moffat, Miller; R. Simpson, T. Murray, Soye, O'Hagan, H. Murray.
Referee - Mr. Riddell, Edinburgh.

The ground was in fairly good order, although in certain parts the surface was somewhat treacherous, and this to some extent was responsible for frequent miskicking on the part of players on both sides. With no wind or sun, the winning of the toss meant no advantage to Aberdeen. The start was quiet, being for the most part of an even nature. Falkirk, however, warmed to their work, and soon the Aberdeen defence was called upon to prevent the early downfall of their goal. McTavish got away near midfield, raced past Moffat and Wilson, and then crossed to the right. A timely punt by Colman, however, brought relief to Aberdeen, but only for a brief spell, for the Falkirk outside right, by a clever feint, rounded Millar and Hume, and crossed beautifully in front of goal. Mutch, however, anticipated the cross, and cleared with a strong kick up the field. Aberdeen were slow in getting into their stride, especially in the front rank. T. Murray, however, tried to force his way through between Anderson and McMillan, but was badly fouled. The free kick was easily cleared by Taylor, and next minute the home forwards were swarming around Mutch. Logan was very aggressive in the centre, and although twice in succession he got clear away, Colman recovered in the nick of time just when Logan had the goal at his mercy. Play favoured Falkirk, their forwards being far in advance of the Aberdeen front rank, which rarely got past the opposing half-back line. McDonald, right half, was specially good, and gave Simpson many clever passes along the ground. The latter responded with several clever movements on the wing, but his crosses were invariably nipped up by Colman and Mutch. The latter saved a fine shot from McTavish, while a minute later he got rid of the ball very smartly, following upon a corner kick from the right. Aberdeen's first break away was started by O'Hagan, who set H. Murray agoing, but the latter was tackled by Taylor before he got far afield. Soye joined O'Hagan in another burst away, but the other forwards were slow to take advantage of any openings that came their way. Indeed, Taylor and Leishman had lots of free kicking, and repeatedly landed the ball in front of Mutch. The goalkeeper and his backs, however, made no mistakes, their play being a feature of the game. A rousing return by Colman to enabled Aberdeen to pay a visit to Falkirk's end of the field for the first time in the match. T. Murray sent the ball out to Simpson on the wing, and from near the corner flag the outside right crossed in front of goal. Anderson ran back and headed out the ball from almost under the bar, but failed to clear properly. The goalkeeper, however, was in position, and fisted the ball down the field. It was just after this incident that Falkirk opened the scoring. The right wing forced the play, but Hume and Miller between them checked a dangerous rush on the part of Simpson and McTavish. McDonald, however, was close behind that the right wing pair, and picked up a pass intended for one of the Aberdeen forwards. He dribbled the ball almost to the goal line, and then crossed to the left wing, where Brown was in waiting, and, before the Aberdeen backs realised the danger, Brown beat much with a fast drive close in. The goalkeeper had no chance of saving, for Brown was quite unmarked when he got his shot in. For a time Aberdeen were hopelessly off their game, Falkirk's pressure being of the most severe description. Mutch, Colman, and Hume, however, defended splendidly. The defence indeed, were deserving of all praise, for Logan, McTavish, Simpson, and Brown simply bombarded the Aberdeen goal with all manner of shots, some of which struck players and rebounded up the field, while others, again, were dealt with by Mutch in first rate style. A momentary breakaway by O'Hagan and Soye brought relief to the Aberdeen backs. Aberdeen, however, were soon back defending their own goal, although it was now noticeable that the Falkirk outside right was not nearly so dangerous in his movements wing to the strong tackling of Hume. Miller, too, improved as the game went on, while Moffat put in a lot of useful work at centre half. During a brisk attack at the Aberdeen end Falkirk had hard luck in not scoring. Mutch saved cleverly from McDonald, but next minute a terrific shot from Logan struck one Mutch on the leg just when he appeared hopelessly beaten. Another stroke of luck came the way of Aberdeen. Simpson, Falkirk, crossed in front of goal, the ball coming to Logan, who drove straight for the net. Just at that moment Hume came running across the field and managed to prevent Logan's effort taking effect, the ball striking Hume on the leg and rebounding into play. O'Hagan next opened out the game for Aberdeen. Dribbling cleverly ahead, he passed across to Simpson on the right, who in turn recrossed to the left wing. Herbert Murray met the ball within a few yards of goal, but shot wildly over the bar - a great chance lost. Play once more was transferred to the Aberdeen end of the field. Twice Brown, outside left, failed when almost under the bar, his shooting being off the mark. Near the interval Soye collided with the Falkirk centre half, with the result that the Aberdeen player had to be assisted to the pavilion. Falkirk were easily the better team up to half-time, when the game stood - Falkirk 1 goal, Aberdeen 0.

When the game was resumed Aberdeen had only four forwards, Soye being medically attended to, suffering from a severe bruise on the back of the head. In 5 minutes' time, however, he reappeared. Falkirk were early in evidence with forcing tactics on the right wing, McTavish being specially clever, but Simpson could do little against Hume this half, the left back playing a really great game for his side - in fact, he was not surpassed by any other back on the field. The play was dull and featureless, Aberdeen being rarely dangerous, while Falkirk slowed down considerably. Latterly the crowd got impatient, and shouted to the team to "Play up!" This request, however, had no effect on the players. A brilliant shot by McTavish and an equally clever save by Mutch helped to enlivened matters. Gradually Aberdeen forced their way past midfield, but their attacks were short-lived. This was due in great measure to a distinct weakness in the front rank. Soye and O'Hagan were the only forwards who did anything worthy of note. The half-backs were now are more in the game, and gave their forwards every support, but there was a lack of purpose in the work of the attacking line. It was fortunate indeed for Aberdeen but the defence never flinched under the severe pressure. Colman and Hume were seldom idle, and it says much for their resource and staying power that they were able to withstand the strong attack on the part of the Falkirk forwards. Then a complete change came over the game as the result of a rearrangement of the Aberdeen forwards. Soye was feeling the effects of his accident, and Colman placed him at outside right, T. Murray went into the centre, and Simpson inside right. The effect was marvellous. What had previously been a one-sided game was now suddenly transformed into a stirring struggle for supremacy. Admirably fed by Simpson, Soye did wonders on the right wing. He sent one ball flying past the outside of the net, which beat Stewart all the way, the goalkeeper having stepped out to meet the ball, which he misjudged. T. Murray kept the wings going, while O'Hagan was always in evidence with neat, well-timed passes to H. Murray, who, however, was not quite at home on the left. O'Hagan was distinctly unlucky with a fine shot. Soye broke away on the right, raced past the backs, and centred. The inside left pounced on the ball and shot for the far side of the net. Stewart was at the opposite corner, but his goal escaped downfall, O'Hagan's shot striking the foot of the post. The play at this stage was full of incident, both teams striving their utmost on the treacherous ground. Aberdeen's improvement came as a huge surprise. Their forwards combined splendidly, the half-backs gave them good support, while the defence was very sound. Falkirk, on the other hand, showed signs of tiring, and twice Stewart was fortunate in getting the ball away during a scrimmage. The game then veered round in favour of Falkirk. Logan and McTavish lead the way in a spanking run, joined in by the entire front rank. Colman relieved with a huge punt, but back came Brown and Mitchell on the left. This time it was Mutch who cleared, rushing out and actually picking up the ball from Mitchell's toes. On when the game in a most entertaining fashion. Bright, breezy football was witnessed, with Aberdeen almost snatching the equaliser in the last minute. A ripping shot from Simpson was cleared by Stewart, and then the goalkeeper saved a long drive from Hume. Close on time Hume got in the way of a shot from McTavish, while Simpson, Falkirk, struck the side of the net with a lightning drive. The finish was most exciting, but no further scoring took place, and the game ended - Falkirk, 1 goal, Aberdeen 0.

Falkirk were easily the better team, and deserved to win by more than one goal. Aberdeen were disappointing, but they came away strongly in the last half-hour, and almost succeeded in drawing level. The Aberdeen defence - Mutch, Colman, and Hume - played a superb game, while O'Hagan and Soye were the best of the forwards.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 1st November 1909

ABERDEEN'S NARROW DEFEAT.

Last week we severely criticised Mutch for losing a point at Pittodrie, but though Aberdeen lost two of these valuable assets on Saturday, no blame could he attached to the custodian for the same. His keeping of goal at Brockville was a perfect treat, and he deserves all the praise which he has received on that account. To begin in the proper way of reviewing a game, Aberdeen had to put up with a re¬organised front line, due to the absence of Willie Lennie (on the sick list), and though the construction of the forward line was as good as could be done under the circumstances, there was a pretty strong feeling that they would not combine so well es the five who have won many games in the past weeks.
This proved to be the case. At the start, they could not get into their swing at all, while the halves had plenty to do keeping the opposing forwards in check to assist them very much. Falkirk were simply reveling in cute footwork, and but for the excellent defence put up by Mutch and Company, would have had more than one goal ere the interval arrived. It was quite apparent what Lennie's absence meant to Aberdeen's front line. Individually they got away, and gave the home defence some trouble, but it never amounted to anything more than a passing exchange.
There was a change in the second half, when Aberdeen made another shift in their van by transferring Soye, who had been injured, to outside right and Tom Murray going centre. This alteration worked wonders, for they had very hard lines on two occasions in not getting on equal terms. O'Hagan struck the post and Murray had a fair drive diverted, from which a corner resulted. We had visions of Aberdeen equalising at this time, but as time wore on, their pressure relaxed, and Falkirk made a grand rally to finish up with, but they could not break down the defence, and the game finished with Falkirk leading by 1-0.

THE PLAY AND PLAYERS.

Falkirk deserved to have a bigger lead in the first half, but the improvement shown by Aberdeen in the second period would have made it no injustice had a division of points resulted. "Jockie" Simpson was seen, at his best in out¬field work, but his marksmanship was a bit off, due, no doubt, to Hume's watchfulness. The whole line were clever, and seemed to know the ground to a nicety. In the middle line, Ander¬son was a tireless worker putting in a lot of useful passes to his forwards. The backs were splendid, but the goalkeeper seemed to be a bit flurried and none too sure at times.
As already remarked, Mutch was the saviour of Aberdeen at the critical stage, ably backed by Colman and Hume, the latter being greatly improved from last week. In the middle line Moffat was best, with Millar and Wilson close up. The honours of the vanguard were carried off by the left wing, but until the second half, they were poor and ragged all over. With a few weeks' practice, however, we think this would be a great line, and would get a lot of goals.

CHATTY BITS.

You never know the true value of a player till he is absent. Lennie was the: missing link in Saturday's team at Falkirk.
The pitch did not seem to suit the Aberdeen players for some time, they made some nasty slips in the first half.
Falkirk have now reached second place on the League table, and will endeavour to keep there for some time.
It will take a class team to beat them on Brockville Park, and the Falkirk players know this.
They also regard their reserve team as being very little removed from their first, those at Pittodrie on Saturday will know this.
MacEchern was assisting his Alma Mater on Saturday. He was on the losing side-ion this occasion.
Alex. Halkett has shaken the granite dust from off his feet, and betaken himself to Reading. We fancy he would have been better to have accepted, Aberdeen's offer and stayed at Pittodrie.
Willie Lennie's benefit is definitely announced with Dundee on January 4. The tickets are on sale, and may be had almost everywhere.
The qualifying ties are nearing the stage when the possible winners may be spotted, and the draws on Tuesday night will give some indication of how the land lies.
Leith Athletic have had a great run of success, and they will be a greatly disappointed team if they do not win the trophy. Their strongest opponents at present seem to be Dumbarton.

Source: Bon-Accord, 4th November 1909