Aberdeen 0 - 0 Airdrie

At Aberdeen, before 6000 spectators, and in a thunder, lightning, and rain storm. Play for the most part was of a moderate standard, the conditions telling against the players. At the same time, there were exciting passages, but, taking the game all over, Aidrieonians were unfortunate not to have won. In the first half, after Templeman claimed unsuccessfully for a penalty, Reid scored for Airdrieonians, but he was given offside, and the point was disallowed. MacIntosh had several good tries for Aberdeen, and at times the saving of Brown, the Airdrieonoans practically monopolised the play, and only the excellence of the Aberdeen backs saved the home side. In an exciting passage Airdrieonians were awarded a penalty, but Greig saved the shot, which was taken by Reid. On several occasions the visitors were near to scoring, and once Reid skied when almost beneath the bar. Aberdeen were spasmodic, but play generally favoured Airdrieonians, who in the end had to be content with a draw of no goals. Best for Aberdeen were Greig, Colman, Hume, and MacIntosh.; and for Airdrieonians Brown, Mackie, Murray, and Reid.

Source: The Scotsman, 1st September 1913

All things considered Aberdeen were lucky to get the point out that the Scottish League game, which ended in a goalless draw, with the Airdrieonians at Pittodrie. Threatening when play began, the weather conditions later were of a most wretched description. A thunder, lightning, and rainstorm burst over the ground, and the game was continued in a perfect deluge. The 6000 spectators found what scanty shelter they could obtain, and it was no date either for playing or witnessing football. Under the circumstances, with the sodden ground and the greasy ball, which was difficult to control, play never reached a high standard, although there were numerous exciting passages which helped to make the game interesting. Considering the disadvantages with which they had to contend, the players did not do at all bad, although perhaps the Airdrieonians players adapted themselves better to the conditions, and considering the fact that they scored an offside goal, and had what appeared to be a justifiable claim for a penalty this allowed, besides actually failing to get through from a penalty kick, and pressed for the greater period of the game, it must be adjudged to have been unfortunate to leave a point behind them.

A PROMISING START

Aberdeen opened in promising style, and when McIntosh just missed scoring from the kick-off local hopes ran high. In the opening 15 minutes the Airdrieonians' defence withstood a severe gruelling, and Brown distinguished himself by several masterly saves, notably from McIntosh and Travers, both of whom had good efforts from close range. Aberdeen attacked desperately hard, and in that period were unlucky not to have scored. Several likely shots were blocked, and twice McIntosh almost scored. Once Airdrieonians' found their footing they sorely troubled the home defence, but the brilliant work of Colman and Hume kept Aberdeen's charge intact. Greig twice saved well from Templeman and Reid, and once in particular he did well to practically lift the ball from Reid's toe when a goal seemed imminent. In the course of a determined attack Templeman fell in the penalty area through being tackled in the rear by Low. There was an immediate claim for a penalty, but after consulting a linesman, the referee decided there was no breach. Just immediately afterwards Reid scored for the Airdrieonians', but was very properly adjudged to have been offside. In the closing minutes of the period Aberdeen attacked strongly, but their movements lacked the decisiveness shone in the opening stages, and there was no scoring at the interval.

A MISSED PENALTY

In the second period Airdrieonians appeared much better suited by the conditions, and were oftener dangerous than were Aberdeen, whose attacks took the form of spasmodic and ill-sustained bursts. Reid, the Airdrie centre, showed very clever footwork, and although he often got the better of the Aberdeen defence, he did not finish so strongly as usual. Twice in the half from almost beneath the crossbar he missed splendid opportunities, once by skying the ball and on the other occasion by shooting wide. In the course of a brilliant individual effort, Reid was fouled by Hume inside the penalty area, and the referee promptly awarded the spot kick. Reid himself took it, and although he drove in a hard, swift, low shot, he failed to send it beyond the reach of Greig, who effected a clever, and for Aberdeen, timely save. The escape had the effect of sparring on Aberdeen, and a determined rally followed. McIntosh had a fairly good effort, but it lacked sting, and was slightly wide. On another occasion Maine and McIntosh were working through when Murray dispossessed the first named in the act of shooting. Aberdeen kept up the attack and Soye spoilt likely chances by miss judging his centres, while Wilson had a hard drive blocked. Near the close Soye was working through, but was filed by McKie just outside the penalty line. Colman took the free-kick, and although the ball was well placed, the Airdrie goal survived an exciting passage. Later McKie completely missed his kick, and McIntosh just failed to take advantage of one of the best chances of the afternoon, and the game resulted in a draw of no goals.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 1st September 1913