Victoria United 1 - 2 The Aberdeen

A friendly match was played at Victoria Bridge Grounds. The players were: Aberdeen: Smyth; John Davidson, McConnachie; J. Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Kennedy, Gray, Smith, Shiach, Allan. Victoria United: Allan; McNeil, Allan; Dundas, Moffat, Stopani; "Black" Law, McKenzie, J. Ritchie, R. Ritchie. The game was very evenly contested throughout, Aberdeen ultimately running out winners by 2 points to 1.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 29th November 1897

Aberdeen and Vics engaged in a friendly at Torry before over 1000 spectators Henderson was absent from the ranks of the Blues and Watt was left out of the team, McKenzie the half-back being entrusted with the centre position. Law was inside right and Stopani again appeared at half. Aberdeen rearranged their front line, Clark and Smith being included in their attack. Vics kicked off and some interesting play was witnessed. Taking the first half all over the display given by both teams was much under the usual standard At half-time there was no scoring. Aberdeen missed a penalty awarded against Allan. Clark opened the scoring for the Whites. McKenzie shortly afterwards placed the teams level with a lovely shot. Aberdeen infused more life into their play and Clark gave his side the lead. Good play was witnessed until the finish. Vics had a good chance of equalising but the shot was muddled. The game ended - Aberdeen 2, Vics 1.

Short Kicks.

The Torry game was witnessed by a surprisingly large crowd.
The outstanding feature of the game was the brilliant display given by Allan and McNeil at back, the latter in particular being in magnificent form.
Clark signalised his reappearance by scoring both the Whites' goals. If they keep the present front line together, Aberdeen will be hard to beat.
Henderson is expected to be all right for the Vies on Saturday. The Torry executive are still searching for a class centre. McKenzie is undoubtedly a half back, and the missing link has still to be found.
SUPPORTER OF BLUES.-Sorry we cannot see our way to oblige. Vics are the proper ones to apply to.

Source: Bon-Accord, 2nd December 1897

N.B. There is a discrepancy between the Aberdeen line-up and the goalscorer.