At ten minutes past three o'clock Ferries, for the United, won the toss, and Aberdeen set the leather in motion. From midfield the ground team rushed the leather up the left wing, and amid deafening cheers the sphere was sent straight for the United goal. The ball was carried over the cross bar, however, and when the game was resumed the Aberdeen renewed the attack, but nothing tangible resulted. By several splendid passes the Vics, made their way down the field, and for a time they had all the play going. A corner had to be conceded by the defenders, and in the course of the ensuing scrimmage Turner had the hardest of hard lines in not putting on the initial point. The United were not, however, to be denied, and Ferries, from a header, scored the first goal. Do as they might, the Aberdonians could not make any headway. Time and again the visitors rushed down upon their opponents' charge, and it was with difficulty that Ramsay could keep his goal intact. On one occasion he fisted out very smartly, and a succeeding shot almost proved fatal. A butt off Stewart aided the defenders, and after some exciting play, the Aberdeen were swarming in the United's territory. In a minute the Vics, retaliated, and Ramsay only saved his team from disaster by stopping the career of the leather with his legs. A brilliant run by Whyte carried the sphere to neutral ground, and then the Aberdeen made a capital attack upon the west goal, Gray checked a dangerous shot, and a succeeding effort by Singleton carried the ball over the bar. For the next few minutes the play was somewhat equal but nevertheless interesting, and at length Turner broke away, and sent a "stinger" in the direction of the Aberdeen goal. It missed the mark by inches, and the Aberdeen, taking charge of the sphere from the goal kick, carried it up the field by a combined effort. In a second the players were in all the excitement of a scrimmage in front of the visitors' citadel, and to the delight of the Aberdeen contingent of spectators Toman put on the first goal for Aberdeen. Subsequently a corner fell to the ground team, and but for the tactics of Gray, a second goal would undoubtedly have resulted. In the course of time, the United had a "look in," and Turner forced the leather to the goal's mouth. Ramsay seized it in his arms, but in trying to send it clear of his posts he, unfortunately for his team, allowed it to go through. This made the second goal for the United. A run by Aberdeen, was succeeded by one of the best pieces of play witnessed up to this point. About neutral territory the United forwards got on the ball, and by splendid passing made their way to within a few yards of the Aberdeen uprights. The attack was futile, but in a few minutes a corner was secured by the invaders. To add to the difficulty of the defenders' position a foul was got off Cobban, but the pressure was relieved by the sphere going over the crossbar. Sutherland, with the assistance of Annand, aided the third goal, and almost before the cheering had died away Turner registered still another point. But the United did not yet seem to be satisfied. In a second or two they were at their opponents' goal, and again sent the leather spinning through. Offsides was however, claimed and granted. At this time and till the end of the first period of play the United had much the best of the game. Score at half-time: Victoria United, 4 goals; Aberdeen, 1 goal.

The second half was opened by a brilliant run on the part of Ferries and Annand, but before these players could realise their position, the Aberdeen forwards made off with the ball, and White scored a second goal. Loud and prolonged cheering greeted this success, which seemed to infuse fresh spirit into the Aberdeen players. For the next five minutes they played with the greatest pluck, and a beautiful screw from the foot of White was the means of making the third point for his team. Singleton and Brown were working splendidly. The United then conducted some pressing, and twice in succession Ramsay was called upon to fist out. A collision between Stewart and Ross resulted in the former leaving the field, and the United were thus left with ten men. The misfortune did not, however, appreciably affect the Victoria play, and after a short interval Stewart was able to return and take his place. The Blues for a short period considerably harassed their opponents, but the Aberdeen followed with dire retaliation, White forcing the ball past Gray and scoring goal number three. Nor was this all the invaders effected. Before the Vics could clear their ground a corner had to be conceded but care was taken that the shot should not be converted into a point. If the United had the best of the play in the earlier part of the match, their opponents had certainly the best of it now. Attack after attack was made by the Whites, and in one of these Singleton notched the equalising point. The excitement now grew intense, and every run was cheered to the echo. Brown sent in the ball like an arrow, but its course was diverted and a behind alone was made. In a trice the Whites were at it again, and Singleton had the honour of eluding the vigilance of the United custodian, and adding a fifth goal to the Aberdeen score. In the remainder of the match no other points were registered, and a well contested game ended in a victory for the Aberdeen by one goal, the final score being: Aberdeen, 5; Victoria United. 4.

Source: Aberdeen Journal 31st October 1892

A Chanonry Episode.

Source: Bon-Accord, 5th November 1892