Aberdeen 2 - 2 Celtic

At Pittodrie, Aberdeen, in brilliant weather. The importance of the game attracted a huge crowd, fully 20,000 witnessing the start. The Celtic early subjected the home defence to a thorough gruelling, which they came through with great credit. The home players looked dangerous when they got near Mulrooney, and with the approach of half-time Soye sent in a great shot. The local supporters' glee was extraordinary, and though the Celts made a game show of equalising they had to cross over one down, even after they had been awarded a penalty, which McAtee failed to convert.
The second period opened sensationally, Main beating Mulrooney in an instant almost. This took the Celts by surprise, but another penalty came their way. Quinn shot and Greig got the ball, but the redoubtable Celtic pivot, rushing in, clinched the point. Amid great excitement McAtee equalised, and then weight came into play, Main and Lennie both being laid out, but eventually coming round. There was an abundance of exciting incidents now, each side striving hard for the mastery. McMenemy got badly winded. The closing stages were keenly fought out, but no further scoring took place. Result:- Aberdeen, two; Celtic, two.

Source: The Scotsman, 26th February 1912

Game and "gate" were quite worthy of each other at Pittodrie on Saturday afternoon. No one looks for 90 minutes of parlor football in a cup tie of such importance as that in which Aberdeen and Celtic were engaged. What is anticipated is at ding-dong, dour struggle, and this is exactly what occurred, with, of course, occasional flashes or really first-class football, mostly, let it at once be said, shown by the visitors. At the same time, it must be kept in mind that only with the aid of a penalty kick were the Celts able to earn a replay. They quite realized that they had a big task to accomplish, and it almost proved beyond their power so far as getting the better of the Aberdeen defence was concerned. The locals came so precious lay near winning that their supporters cannot but feel a little disappointed, yet, under all circumstances, but could not well grudge a draw. Less would not have done justice to the Celts' display - a more uniform one by a somewhat better balanced side. The gate has been officially announced at 22,000, and the drawings at £574. This is a financial record, but not so far as the spectator it is concern. The previous best was at a meeting of the same clubs in the Scottish semi-final of 1907, when 24,500 paid £568, and so Celtic win by the only goal of the match. On Saturday several special trains were run from different parts of the north-east of Scotland, and also from Glasgow. The weather was ideal.

The game itself was one of bustle and thrills from start to finish. The Celtic forwards, led splendidly by Quinn, settled down at once to a troublesome style, which gave Colman, Hume, and Wyllie little respite. The famous centre was in one of his best moods, and whether on his own or making openings for others by short passes were sending far out, his work was great. The first dangerous shot came from him out of are really awkward position, but it was mild compared with a drive from Loney shortly afterwards, a flashing shot from 20 yards skimming the bar. McMenemy also made a brilliant effort, which missed the post by inches. Aberdeen attacked more frequently as that period proceeded, and had the satisfaction of opening the scoring but almost 40 minutes gone. Soye shot through a beauty after a blunder by Dodds. Celtic had a penalty after that for Wyllie handling in a severe pressure. McAtee threw away the chance by putting past and thus Aberdeen led by 1-0 at the interval.

They increased disadvantage within 3 minutes after the resumption. McIntosh passed neatly to Main, lying between the backs, and the centre, twisting beautifully round McNair, netted with the terrific drive. In 5 minutes Celtic had their first point. It came from another penalty, Davidson being the culprit this time. Greig held Quinn's first kick, but could not gather the leather, and the centre, following up, easily scored. The pace was scorching after this, and the Celtic attack persistently aggressive. Half-way through the period a movement, initiated by Quinn, led to the equaliser. He swung the leather far out to Brown, who, unmarked, cut in to express speed towards goal. He crossed when within the penalty area, and McAtee drove home a rattling shot. Fast and hard the game continued. Aberdeen's lightweights was there and in the vicinity of Mulrooney, but seldom got in a shot. Both Lennie and Wood were laid out in the course of one exciting passage. At the other end Gregg held grandly from Johnstone and Quinn. Two goals apiece, each side lived to fight another day.

Aberdeen were best served by Greig, Colman, Hume, and Wyllie in the defence. Soye was watched like a whole, but did well with the opportunities he got. McIntosh earned his place by his share in the second goal. Celts' did not have the full with their defence, but they were stronger at half-back and forward. Loney and Quinn were the stars in these divisions. Young was as per usual - effective, and perhaps forcible to an unnecessary degree. McMenemy, Quinn, and Travers are a great triumvirate, and there, more than any where else, the Irish combination had the advantage. Aberdeen's forward line is capable of better things than it did at Pittodrie - a fact which must be taken into account in sizing up the prospects of their side for Parkhead on Saturday, 9th March, the Welsh International and Tynecastle on Saturday being likely to postpone the replay for a weak.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 26th February 1912