Aberdeen 5 - 0 Aberdeen University

Merrie and McLaren, Aberdeen's new players from Nithsdale Wanderers, created a favourable impression in their first appearance at Pittodrie against the 'Varsity. Merrie registered the "hat-trick" and will lead the Dons' attack against Celtic at Parkhead. There is a general regret that Alex Jackson has withdrawn from the Scottish team to meet Ireland. He is a prime favourite, but no doubt many Northerners will travel to Glasgow to see "Jock" Hutton play.

It may be said that Aberdeen's new men Merrie and McLaren, impressed the critics in their first appearances at Pittodrie on Saturday. The Aberdeen team won by five clear goals, of which Merrie had three.
As is always the case, the students made the professionals fight for all they were worth, but they lacked method and indulged in rush tactics too much. The greater experience of the winners was a deciding factor. Naturally the spectators were mostly interested in the play of Pittodrie's latest recruits. Considering the fact that It was their first game, one must make allowances, but, taking into account their form in this match, I would say that both ought to do well in the future. Merrie took his three goals very smartly. In opening his account, he placed rather than shot the ball past Donald, the 'Varsity keeper. His second goal, however, was the best of the three. He worked his way to the left, but when challenged by two opponents, he deftly hooked the ball into the net from a difficult angle. Donald was hopelessly beaten when Merrie scored his third goal. Wilson crossed a low ball, and the centre forward smashed it into the net. Apart from his goals, however, Merrie did little of note. He was not too well supported. Still I prefer to see him against stronger opposition before passing judgement. Meantime it suffices to say that I think he will do well once he has settled down to the new conditions.
With regard to McLaren, it may be said he played a strong forcing game. The ability is there, but he showed a tendency to get out of position. He is quick off his mark, and controls and passes the ball skilfully, while he showed accuracy in his headwork. It can be said without fear of contradiction that Merrie and McLaren did better than most recruits at Pittodrie in the past.
I do not intend to deal with all the other players individually, but I would like to add a word of praise to Edward, the Aberdeen right-half. I have not seen him play since he lost his place in the first team, but I must say he played a very fine game at right-half on Saturday. His trapping and slipping of the ball were admirably executed, while, in addition to scoring one of the goals, he shot with power and good direction.
'Varsity were not like the 'Varsity of old. That was not to be expected. Their best players were Scott, Reid, Kidd, Cumming and McKenzie.

Source: Bon-Accord, 25th February, 1928

The Aberdeen University eleven were no match for Aberdeen "A" in an Aberdeen and District League game at Pittodrie, the home team winning by 5 goals to 0. Aberdeen had the better of the opening exchanges, and Merrie, making his debut at centre forward, early gave them the lead, Edward heading a second goal after twenty minutes play. The students played pluckily, and Shearer sent against the post on one occasion, but Aberdeen held the upper hand, and near the interval McLaren just missed with a fierce shot. Shortly after the commencement of the second half McKenzie the home left winger, was injured, and was unable to resume, but, even short-handed, Aberdeen continued to have the better of the exchanges. Merrie increased the lead from a difficult angle, and after a period of end-to-end play the centre forward completed his "hat trick." Near the close Yorston accepted a pass from Merrie to put on a fifth goal for Aberdeen, who were comfortable winners.

Source: Press & Journal, 20th February 1928