The Aberdeen 2 - 6 Arbroath

Chanonry was the scene of a Northern League fixture between Arbroath and Aberdeen. The teams were: Aberdeen: Smyth; Davidson, Maconnachie; Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Gray, Cadger, Smith, Clark, Shiach. Arbroath: Strachan; Carrie, Penny; Ford, McGlashan, Davidson; Leuchars, Middleton, Brown, Milne, Ford. Mr Scott, Montrose, was referee. The opening stages were in favour of the visitors, and the Aberdeen backs were harassed very much. The visitors' left wing was very troublesome, but their first goal came from the right, Middleton storing twice. During a struggle within the 25 yards line with the Arbroath defence, a penalty kick was awarded the ground team, and Mackie kicked the ball into the net. Half-time: Arbroath, 2; Aberdeen, 1. Shortly after the restart Arbroath obtained a third goal through a scrimmage. Several splendid opportunities of scoring were muddled by the ground team. Arbroath forwards were smart at goal, and although they were having less of the play than Aberdeen, they were getting all the goals. Milne and Ford having scored fourth and fifth. Aberdeen strove hard to score, but the visitors blocked their goal, and successfully repelled all attempts. Ford put on another goal with a long shot, and shortly before the close Aberdeen put on another point.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 6th December 1879

In miserable weather Arbroath visited Chanonry and annexed two points at the expense of Aberdeen. The ground was in wretched condition, rendering good play well nigh impossible. Arbroath opened strongly, and harassed the home defence. Tom Smyth, however, was in great form, and it was some time ere the visitors found an opening. Middleton gave the parting kick to the first point, and he was again successful shortly afterwards. Aberdeen had a good share of the game, but were miserably weak in finishing. From a penalty Mackie made no mistake, and at half time the score was: Arbroath 2, Aberdeen 1.

On restarting Aberdeen dashed down and kept Arbroath hemmed in for some time. Chances galore came only to be thrown away by weak forward play. From a rush up Arbroath put on a third point. Aberdeen again pressed, but retired pointless. Arbroath got other three goals to one by Aberdeen, and an uninteresting game ended Arbroath 6, Aberdeen 2.

Short Kicks.

Aberdeen failed on Saturday, through their forwards failing to negotiate on the soft ground.
They indulged in close passing and "sand dancing," when the game was to lash the ball on and shoot whenever near goal.
Chances without number were simply thrown away, more particularly during the second half.
Arbroath, in the closing period, had about six runs up the field, but they scored from four of them.
Aberdeen were rarely away from the visitors' goal, but could only pierce the defence once.
The Referee would have been quite justified in stopping the game for darkness. Latterly we could not follow the ball at all.
J. Mackie can give points to anyone hereabout in the kicking of penalties. The cool way he scored from the one on Saturday created some amusement.
The White's backs were off colour. The halves were good. J. Mackie best, and the forwards, if they could shoot, would do. Cadger was the worst sinner in this respect.
Vics and Aberdeen meet in the first round of the County ties at Chanonry on Saturday.
The gale did not miss Chanonry last week. Aberdeen's grand stand roof has taken its departure, and now occupies a lowly position on the Aulton market stance.
We felt decidedly cold without a roof over our heads, and the seat of our quarters as wet as could be. Erect a braw new press box when you are making alterations, gentlemen, and let's have it heated by steam, if possible. We are nothing if not modest in our requests.

Source: Bon-Accord, 9th December 1897