Meiklejohn 3
Match Information
Attendance: 23,000
Referee: H Russell (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Aberdeen are still pointless and goalless. Still, they need not be disheartened. The Pittodrie side gave a fine display against Rangers, who were more than a trifle fortunate to bag both points. Taking the game all over, Aberdeen had as much, id not more, of the play than Rangers, although it must be admitted that the Light Blues were a shade classier in their movements and showed more method. Twenty-four thousand spectators were present, and but for a breakdown in the weather before the start the attendance would have been greater. Right from the start the game was a thriller. Inside three minutes Rangers scored what proved to be the only goal. Archibald fastened on to a big clearance and carried the ball well down before testing Blackwell with a ticklish shot, which the Aberdeen goalkeeper turned past the upright with little to spare. Morton placed the corner to perfection. Blackwell fisted out, but the ball only travelled to Meiklejohn, who lofted it over the Aberdeen defenders into the net. It was a well-taken point and showed great judgment on Meiklejohn’s part. Aberdeen’s new formation made quite a favourable impression. Miller got early into the ways of the inside right, and a fine run and shot almost brought an equaliser. Robb’s save was masterly. This was followed by a Rankin effort which rebounded off the upright. It was a near thing. Then followed a bright spell for Rangers during which Aberdeen’s defence had a gruelling time. But they kept their heads. The Light Blues forced four corners in quick succession, all of which were admirably placed. Dixon had a long-ranger which missed narrowly, while after a fine swinging movement, Morton expressed one past Blackwell’s upright. For a time, it was a case of attack and then counter attack. Miller gave Robb another fright with a drive, but Johnny should have made better use of the opportunity he later received from Smith. Although well placed Miller sent wide. This was Aberdeen’s first scoring opportunity. On the interval Cairns gave Blackwell something to do. It was a great first half. Play was not so evenly distributed after the interval. Aberdeen had certainly more of the game, and in the last twenty minutes Rangers were kept defending. In the closing minutes Manderson almost turned a cross from Alex Jackson through his own goal. Rangers were well served by Robb in goal. His work was excellent. I have seen Manderson and McCandless to better advantage. Both were often in difficulties, and it was well for them that Rangers’ half-backs covered up. Meiklejohn was best. His constructive work was fine. Dixon shone mostly in defence. Craig completed a strong line. In a five playing front rank, Morton was easily the best. Aberdeen’s defence was superb, but the half-backs were not up to the Rangers’ standard. Pirie did not impress either in attack or defence. Jackson centre-half was ubiquitous, while McLachlan kept the Rangers right in hand. Aberdeen’s new attack should develop. The introduction of the brothers Jackson made for improvement. Alec did well on the right touchline and seldom wasted a ball. He showed a fine turn of speed at time. Walter Jackson found Dixon a difficult obstacle, but then he won’t ne meeting Dixon every week. The ex-Killie player will yet suit. Rankin touched his best in the second half, when he was easily the best forward afield. Smith fell away greatly after a bright beginning
