Dundee 1 - 3 Aberdeen

There were over fifteen thousand at Dens Park when these teams met in fine weather. Aberdeen opened strongly, and the match promised to be a stirring encounter, when an unfortunate incident led to the disorganisation of the Dundee team. Tait, the right half, fell heavily on his right arm, dislocating the wrist, and had to retire after fifteen minutes' play. He took no further part in the game. Dundee were severely handicapped by his absence, and Aberdeen did the bulk of the attacking. Lyall frequently saved in brilliant fashion for Dundee, but ultimately he was beaten by Milne, who converted a centre by Soye. Dundee's forward combination was weak, and the Aberdeen defence was seldom in difficulties. Aberdeen were confronted with the one back game in the second half, Milne, however, scored a second goal with a clever individual run. Dundee pressed, but were weak in the goal mouth, and good centres by D. Hamilton were not utilised. Neal scored for Dundee after a free kick, and within a few minutes Lennie put on a third goal for Aberdeen. Before the close, Dundee made several great efforts to score, but were checked by Aberdeen's strong defence. Final result:- Aberdeen,3 goals; Dundee, 1 goal..

Source: The Scotsman, 26th August 1912

Aberdeen were in great form at Dens Park on Saturday, when they had a brilliant 3-1 victory over their great Dundee rivals. The victory a roused great enthusiasm in Aberdeen and the north, where the fortunes of the team are so closely followed, and the performance was the more noteworthy because this is the first occasion on which Aberdeen have won a league game on Dens Park. Nearly 20,000 spectators saw for proved to be a stirring game. There were about 500 excursion as from Aberdeen, and nearly 1000 journeyed from Forfar and other Forfarshire districts to see the game.

On play Aberdeen were easily the superior side, although during three-fourths of the game Dundee were seriously handicapped by losing the services of Tait, their right half-back, who fell and broke a bone in his wrist. Up to that time, however, Aberdeen had held the upper hand, and Lennie had a terrific shot which hit the upright and rebounded far of the field. After gates departure Dundee adopted the one-back game, and this disconcerted the Aberdeen attack, although it did not quell its eagerness. For a long time the Dundee defence underwent a severe gruelling, and it was only after Lyall had effected some brilliant saves that Milne scored for Aberdeen, after Soye had crossed and walker had shot. The goal spurred Aberdeen to even greater effort, and had it not been for the policy of the opposition in playing but one back, they would have added to their score before the interval, at which time Aberdeen crossed over with a lead of 1-0.

STIRRING INCIDENTS

The one-back game was even more in evidence in the second half, when a terrific pace was set. Aberdeen still had the better of the play, although and Neal had one or two good tries for Dundee and Walker missed when favourably placed. At times and deal of temper were shown, and Lawson, the home back, was cautioned by the referee, while later again he and Soye were lectured for their village of an attitude to each other. Dundee change the composition of the team, but this did not assist them much. Getting off on his own near midfield, Milne and outdistanced Lawson, and so scored a brilliant second goal for Aberdeen amidst great excitement. Dundee played it desperately after this, and following upon a foul Neal beat King from amongst a crowd of players. Aberdeen's soon increase their lead, however. Walker raced off and, crossing the ball to Lennie, the left winger manoeuvred for position, and scored a brilliant third goal 15 minutes from the close. Dundee improved after this, and R. .C Hamilton and D. Hamilton had several praiseworthy attempts to reduce the leeway. The Aberdeen defence prevailed, however, and for the first time Dundee suffered a Scottish League defeat at home from Aberdeen. The whole Aberdeen team played with great precision, and the margin of victory no more than represents their superiority.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 26th August 1912