Hibernian 1 - 1 Aberdeen

Played at Easter Road, Edinburgh, in presence of 7000 spectators. The Hibernians had to rearrange their team at the last moment, Birrell and Smith being unable to play through injuries. The game was evenly fought out all through, and a draw of one goal each was a fair result. Aberdeen may have shown the better football, but they were met by a sturdy defence, both the Hibernian backs doing very well, while Allan's goalkeeping was simply marvellous. He several times saved what appeared to be certain goals, and it was not his fault that Aberdeen drew level. The Hibernians were the first to score, a smart movement on the left giving H. Anderson a chance to get in a shot which Greig only partially cleared, and Rae dashing up put the ball into the net with a raking shot. After this Aberdeen pressed very hard, but could not get by Allan.
The second half was very fast, and the Hibernians, but for missed chances, should have added to their score. On one occasion Rae, with an open goal, kicked the ball hard towards the corner flag, Hendren, Lamb, and Callaghan also being sinners. Aberdeen made hardly any such mistakes, and when Main had only a couple of yards between him and Allan the equaliser looked a certainty, but Allan again saved, this time with one hand. he was beaten a little later, however. He had just stopped a good shot by Wood, and before he could recover, Lennie had the ball in the net. The Hibernians had most of the game after this, but they failed to get the lead. Result:- Hibernians, one goal; Aberdeen, one goal.

Source: The Scotsman, 25th December 1911

After a game brimful of incident and exciting passages, Aberdeen secured a clever draw with Hibernian at Easter Road, Edinburgh, under Scottish League auspices, each obtaining a goal. The game was witnessed by 6000 spectators under conditions well suited to the occasion. Hibs were first to score in the opening period, but, previous to this, their goal ran many narrow escapes. It was not until well on in the second half that Aberdeen equalised, although on the run of play they might well have been leading. Renewing the game, Hibs were fortunate to be on level terms at the finish. Aberdeen's outfield work was much inferior to theirs, and, although several chances were missed, it was the Hibs' custodian's wonderful goalkeeping alone which kept Aberdeen from a merited victory. Both sides played a swinging game, and indulged in long passes, which called forth the abilities of both defences. Aberdeen did by far the greater share of the attacking in the initial period, and in the second Hibs, if at time were more dangerous, were opposed by a brilliant Aberdeen defence. Soye, the Aberdeen right winger, was the best forward on the field, and Hume the best back. The brilliant runs and crosses of the former and the strong and accurate returns of the back, along with the marvellous goalkeeping of the Hibs' custodian, were outstanding features of a game which, besides being exciting, supplied some very fine football.

HIBS SCORE FIRST

The first incident of the game came from the Aberdeen right, were Soye tricked several opponents, and had a terrific drive, which went high. Subsequently the Aberdeen side attacked strongly, and Allan effected some brilliant clearances. Main and Soye forced the game, and only the brilliance of O'Hara at this critical period saved his side. Hendren and Fleming were the first to raise the Hibs' hopes, and Greig had to clear from the last named. At the other end McIntosh shot badly when well placed, and Main had a header which was cleared. Good work by the Hibs' left, and a partial clearance by Greig resulted in Rae starting in and scoring the first goal, with Greig helpless. Soye had some brilliant runs and crosses after this, and his work was cheered by the spectators. Main had a desperate rush through the defence, and sent in a terrific shot, which Allan pushed round the post in marvellous fashion. Following upon this Soye had a shot which missed narrowly, and then after Main got through Allan brought off another wonderful save. Up to the interval Aberdeen had easily the better of the game, and were unlucky to be in arrears at the interval.

A BELATED EQUALISER

Hibernian were eager at the start of the second half, and Rae from close quarters cent just wide of the Aberdeen goal. Lennie and Wood had a good left movement, which Main culminated by shooting high. Aberdeen sustained the pressure for a time, and after McIntosh had sent wide, Main outwitted several opponents and shot, for Allan to again saved brilliantly. Callaghan, Anderson, and Rae all figured in a hot attack on the Aberdeen goal, but Greig cleared, and then Lamb had a lofty drive. After Rae had missed an open goal, Soye dropped over a lively centre, which Allan again cleared. The ball was not got properly away, however, and Lennie standing opportunely, sent the ball into the net. Aberdeen played in spirited style after this, and Lennie had a shot which Allan cleared, as he did another effort by Main later. As time wore on both teams battled desperately for the leading point, but both defences were particularly strong.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 25th December 1911