Motherwell 1 - 1 Aberdeen

Played on a frost-bound pitch at Fir Park, Motherwell, before 5000 spectators. The footing was exceedingly insecure, and not only rendered the play almost farcical at times, but presented an element of absolute danger to the players. Several of the players had nasty falls, and sustained severe hurts. For the greater part of the game both sides played gingerly, and the little extra risk which Aberdeen took won for them the opening goal through Milne. It was the only goal of the first half. The second half was contested on even lines till within fifteen minutes of the close, when H. Kelly headed the equalising goal for Motherwell. Thereafter the game was entirely in favour of the home team, who ought to have won, had they accepted the opportunities which presented themselves, but the finishing was exceedingly weak. The left wing was the strongest part of each of the teams, although there was little fault to be found with either defence. Result:- Motherwell, 1 goal; Aberdeen, 1 goal.

Source: The Scotsman, 2nd December 1912

The Aberdeen league team travelled to Motherwell, and on an ice-bound ground shared in a meritorious draw of one goal each. The conditions were all against good football, it being extremely difficult for the players to keeper footing on the slippery ground. In consequence of this, there were many mistakes and misjudgments during the game, while between them the two teams missed about half-a-dozen chances of scoring. Motherwell bustled at the start, but Aberdeen, once they got climatised to the conditions, showed the more methodical football, and were by far the more dangerous. Both goalkeepers, however, had much to do. Greig on several occasions and to rush out and clear, while Hutton had to deal with dangerous shots from Lennie, Main, Milne, and Wilson. The Aberdeen left wing was the most conspicuous on the field. Once Main shrewdly back-heeled for Lennie two should go over, and on another occasion Travers stupidly kicked the ball from Main's toe when the player looked like scoring. On the treacherous surface there were many exciting incidents consequent upon misses by players. On one occasion Nicol had an open goal for Motherwell, but sent weakly behind. Aberdeen were first to score. Davidson worked well up and centered, and Milne cleverly headed into the net. After this Aberdeen were much the better side, although the Motherwell players often threatened danger. At the interval Aberdeen led by the only goal.

THE EQUALISER

Motherwell were business-like in the second half, and often had the visiting defence in difficulties. Kelly, Gray, and Robertson missed are rare chance of the equalising when they got past all opposition, only to find the ball hit the upright and go behind. Several corners fell to the home team, but Greig, Colman and Hume played soundly. Main and Milne force the pace for Aberdeen, and for a time it looked as if they would increase their side's advantage. Main on several occasions was all but through, and once completely missed the ball in an attempt to net. It was only after the home crowd had shouted loudly that Motherwell rouse themselves. McConnell fouled the right wing, and after Greig had fisted away from the free-kick, Kelly a secured the equaliser from a header. After this Motherwell played up in great style, and it looked as if they must take the lead, but the Aberdeen defence prevailed. There was a thrilling finish to the game. Aberdeen came away strongly, and Lennie missed the ball when splendidly placed. The result was quite a fair criterion of the play, although it was only in the last 15 minutes that Motherwell really played well. In that period they were slightly unlucky, and all things considered and draw of one all was satisfactory to both.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 2nd December 1912