Motherwell 3 - 2 Aberdeen

This game, played at Fir Park, Motherwell, before 8000 spectators was marked by a lot of strenuous, if not pretty, play. In the first half the Motherwell lot were distictly superior, and were more than value for their lead of 2 goals to 1 at the interval. Two goals were scored in the first five minutes of the game, the first by Finlayson for Motherwell, and the second by McIntosh for Aberdeen. Gilchrist gave Motherwell the lead. In the second half Aberdeen showed greatly improved form, and when Wyllie headed an equalising goal it had been long overdue. The visitors, however, failed to sustain their efforts, and Motherwell took advantage of their weakness at half-back, and scored through McStey a third and winning goal. Taken all over, Motherwell were value for their win. Result:- Motherwell, 3; Aberdeen, 2 .

Source: The Scotsman, 22nd September 1913

Aberdeen added another to their list of Scottish League failures at Motherwell on Saturday, when the home team defeated and narrowly by 3 goals to 2. On this occasion it can mostly be said of Aberdeen that they were unlucky to lose; indeed, if considering certainly escapes of the home goal, they should have won. Motherwell had the best of matters in the first half, but Aberdeen more than held their own in the second half. In that period they were a much smarter and cleverer lot, and it was chiefly owing to some brilliant saving on the part of the home goalkeeper that Aberdeen were denied the consolation of at least a draw. The game throughout was marked by the greatest strenuous ness, and there were many exciting incidents in the play. First one side held the ascendancy and then the other, and taken all over had the result being a draw Aberdeen would have got no more than their plate merited. There were times when they were most unfortunate, and although the forwards shot well on occasion, it must be said that their finishing left much to be desired. The inclusion of Wyllie at centre-half had a steadying effect on the play of that division. All the departments of the team played well, as did those of Motherwell. The match provided quite an interesting exhibition of football, although it was only natural, considering the pace, that there should have been a occasional inaccuracy ease.

Eight 1000 spectators saw a thrilling start. In the first minute Travers, accepting a pass from the right, had the Motherwell goal at his mercy, but from 5 yards he shot high. Motherwell scored immediately afterwards. Graham thundered in a terrific shot which rebounded off Hume and went to Finlayson, that player netting with a terrific shot. The centre almost added another next minute. He worked well out to the right, and, feinting the pass, he shot hard in, Greig effecting a find save. The equaliser followed. Wood work well down and crossed splendidly to McIntosh, who breasted the ball through. Play continued very fast. Greig at full length saved a great shot from Gray, and followed this up with another brilliant save from Gilchrist. At this stage Motherwell threatened to overrun the Aberdeen defence, and Greig, Colman, Hume, and Wyllie had a busy time. Finlayson in particular shown in a determined Motherwell attack, and on several occasions he almost scored. The Aberdeen goal had a wonderful escape on one occasion, when Gray, having shot, the ball was stopped by Colman. Finlayson fastened on an swept in a great shot, but on this occasion Hume intervened and the danger was ultimately cleared. Keeping up the pressure, Motherwell again got the lead. A fine cross by H. Kelly was snapped up by Gilchrist, and he gave Greig no chance. Aberdeen seldom trouble Hampton, although Soye, Walker, and Wilson in turn caused him some concern. The football shown on both sides was of a high order, but Motherwell fully merited the lead they held at half-time.

ABERDEEN'S REVIVAL

Aberdeen started off the second half in great style. In the first minute Walker had a raking drive which struck the crossbar. A goal seemed imminent for the Pittodrie team, but Hampton saved brilliantly from Travers after that player had dribbled through and drove with great force from close range. Aberdeen got a corner, and this was well placed. Hampton rushed out to save his charge, and was hard, but soon recovered. Numerous chances came their way of the Aberdeen left wing, but Wood was slow in the position. Twice when splendidly placed he failed to improve upon the position. He hit the upright on one occasion a later had a great shot saved by Hampton. Motherwell seldom threatened at this stage, although Dixon and Gray both had good attempts, which Greig saved. Soye had a fine run for Aberdeen, but he fouled just outside the penalty line. Colman place the ball very nicely to Wyllie, who headed into the net. On level terms, the teams strove hard for the lead, and Motherwell were successful to the medium of a good shot from the right by McStey. It seemed that considering the angle at which the ball into the net, the shot might have been saved. Motherwell played much better after they got this goal. H. Kelly scored again from a pass from the right, but was palpably offside and the goal was disallowed. In the closing stages the Motherwell goal had several narrow escapes. Colman finally placed an other free kick and Wyllie just failed to get his head opponent. There was no further scoring, and on second half's display Aberdeen, who had given a much improved exhibition, were distinctly unlucky to lose.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 22nd September 1913