Victoria United 6 - 3 Montrose

These clubs played off their first Northern League fixture at Torry Bridge Grounds. For some time after the game opened the Montrose kept the home team in their own territory, but the Victoria recovered themselves, and with 20 minutes gone, Caie took advantage of an excellent opportunity and flashed the ball into the net. Throughout the remainder of the match the United had the best of the play, and the game ended: United, 6; Montrose, 3.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 7th September 1896

A Northern League fixture was played on Saturday, at the latter's park, between the two above teams in dull, drizzly, and most uncomfortable weather. The teams were: Montrose - Gove; Smith, McPherson; Lamb, Jones, McIntosh; Scott, Walker, Bowman, Watson, Cobb. Victoria United ? Gillespie; Brown, Allan; Morrice, Joe Davidson, Annand; Stopani, Toman, Caie, Burnett, Ritchie. Mr Black, Forfar, was referee.

Play was half-an-hour late in starting. The Vics lost the toss and kicked off and quickly came into the Montrose quarters, but a goal kick relieved. Montrose got the ball and invaded the homesters' territory, but did not score. Play was then confined to midfield for some time. However, Montrose was eventually driven back, and Toman from a shot by Davidson magnificently netted the ball. Montrose kept pressing, but several goal kicks were the only result. The Vics then came to the front, and Stopani put the ball through. A foul against Montrose was kicked off by Brown, and one of the Montrose men heading the ball made it go directly under the crossbar, afterwards recoiling. This was given as a goal by the referee. Another foul against the Montrose took place on the goal line, and Ritchie kicked the ball through. Montrose now pressed, and Watson put the ball through. This was all the scoring in the first half, which resulted: Victoria United, 4: Montrose, 1.

On resuming Montrose kept pressing, but Gillespie saved. Play returned, and Caie shot a fine goal. Montrose played up, and scored a second and then a third goal. Vics retaliated, and about ten minutes before the finish of the game again scored. When the whistle blew the scores were: Victoria United, 6; Montrose. 3.

Source: Dundee Courier, 7th September 1896