Dundee 2 - 0 Aberdeen

The Aberdeen Club made a promising start in competitive football for the season last night when the Reserve team defeated Dundee Reserves in an Eastern League game at Dens Park, Dundee, by 2 goals to 0.

About 6000 spectators attended. The visitors opened the scoring through Connon, who had no trouble netting from a fine cross by Grant. Fisher early caught the eye with clean tackling and accurate crossing. The home defence pressed, and several corners were conceded. Grant nearly increased the lead after a dangerous raid. The Dens Parkers became aggressive, and an excellent shot from Reid struck the upright, and Linley failed to equalise from the rebound when favourably placed. In midfield play which followed, Lees was prominent with his headwork. The home custodian distinguished himself by smartly saving a hot shot from Wilson. Cowan, after cleverly beating three opponents, sent out to McLaren, who after beating Hutton, finished a splendid effort by shooting past. Offside spoilt the visitors on several occasions. From the resultant free-kicks, play was carried near Sutherland's citadel, but Picken sent wide. A feature of the play was the Aberdeen right-wing combination, Hutcheson finding the elusive Fisher very nippy. When things looked black for the Dundonians, Nairn saved the situation by clearing the goal-line. Receiving a pass from Connon, Fisher burst through, and with a brilliant shot increased the lead. The Dons deserved the point on play. The game was transferred to the Aberdeen goal, when Linley, although harassed by Hutton, sent in a neat overhead kick, which Sutherland tipped over the bar. The home forwards kept up the bombardment in Sutherland's vicinity, and in a scrimmage Cowan was injured, but resumed after receiving the trainer's attention. Keen play ensued up till the interval, when no further scoring had taken place.

Keen Second Half.

On resuming both sides showed eagerness to score, but the respective defences were ready for any emergency. McLaren, after beating Hutton, looked like securing a point for the homesters, but he miskicked at the critical moment. Picken raised hopes when he got within the penalty area, but Forsyth lifted the ball from his toe. Getting a wide pass, Fisher raced ahead, and narrowly missed. Thompson was cheered for a capital save from a free kick, clearing with three opponents near by. Try what they could, Dundee found Forsyth and Hutton strong opposition. Bannister gave his forwards many opportunities, but these were sadly neglected.

Outstanding Players.

The appearance of Fisher, the ex-Forthill player, added interest to the fixture. The play in the opening stages was promising for Aberdeen, whose tactics impressed. Fisher's sparkling runs were troublesome to the home defenders, and his goal was an admirable effort. The Dens Park Reserves were individually inclined and they lost many scoring chances. In the second stages the homesters made a plucky recovery, but the Aberdeen defence predominated. The Dons were the better team and deserved their victory. Best for Dundee:- Thompson. Fleming, Hutchison, McLaren, and Cowan. For Aberdeen:- Sutherland, Hutton and Forsyth were unbeatable, while Lees and Robertson shone in the middle line. Fisher, Connon, and Grant were the star forwards.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 19th August 1920