Victoria United 5 - 3 The Aberdeen

The match between the Victoria United and the Aberdeen at Torry in the first round of the Scottish Qualifying Cup proved a good draw; and some time before the start the supporters of both teams were thronging over the bridge. The weather, if somewhat too warm for the players, was an ideal day from a spectator?s point of view, a soft breeze tempering the glare of the sun. If anything, the Blues were the favourites before the kick-off, but a number of the Aberdeen. supporters, trusting in the belief that the Whites had not yet been seen at their best this season, and in the uncertainties of football, pinned their faith on the Central Park men. Out of respect for Kilgour, who was absent owing to family bereavement, the Vics wore a black band on their arms, and the flag floated half-mast high. The teams lined up as follows: ABERDEEN: Ritchie; Davidson, MacConnachie; Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Livingstone, Cameron, Fullerton, Gray, Shiach. VICTORIA UNITED: Findlay; J. Ritchie, Dakers; Russell, Anderson, Thomson; Runcie, Riley, Begbie, Moir, Ritchie. Referee: Mr Bowie, Clyde, Glasgow.

The Whites won the toss, and the Blues kicking off, went down the field in a body and scored at once, before the Whites had time to get their bearings. From the re-start the Whites made a bold attempt to retaliate, and play for the next few minutes was mostly in the Vics' quarters Findlay was twice called upon to use his hands, and, ultimately, a fruitless corner resulted. The advantage of the Vics' lead was now clearly proved, for, aided by the wind, the Whites kept up a severe pressure. A burst away by the Blues was only temporary, but a minute later Ritchie transferred, and ended with a good centre which failed to be taken advantage of. The Blues were now, however, rousing themselves, and a good shot grazed Ritchie's uprights. No scoring resulted, and the Whites now resumed the aggressive. After Findlay had been tried severely several times in succession the ball was scrimmaged through by Fullerton, and the teams stood level. The Whites still continued to have the best of the exchanges, but Ritchie was called upon to stave off a dangerous attack by the Vics' forward. Then the Whites took up the running, and Findlay was called upon to save. End-to-end play followed of a ragged nature, but at length the Whites again asserted their superiority, and, thanks to Shiach, stood one up. On the restart, play settled down in mid-field, neither team seeming to exert themselves. Play was indeed of a very spasmodic nature, but the Aberdeen had the best of what play was going, and several times raided the home quarters in a most determined fashion. No more scoring took place before half-time, when the score stood: Aberdeen 2, Vies. 1.

On resuming, play was of a give-and-take order, but two minutes from the start the Vics bore down in a body, and Moir put the teams once more level. End-to-end play followed, and both teams now exerted themselves to obtain the lead. At last, from a good run down, Shiach secured, and again put his team one up. Urged on by their supporters, the Vics strove to equalise, but a determined attack ended in the ball going over. Play still hovered in the visitors' quarters, but at length the Whites bore down in a body, and Livingston shot in. Before Findlay could clear the opposing forwards were on him, and be had to hug the ball on the ground to prevent being bundled through. Ultimately, however, it was sent behind, and the Blues burst away to the other end. For a spell play slowed down, the football again being of a very mediocre nature. Then the Vics attacked, and a free kick looked dangerous for the Whites. Play still hovered in the visitors' quarters, but there was no sting in the attack, and the Whites burst away. A free kick assisted the team to the other end, but nothing resulted, and the Blues were soon attacking vigorously the other goal. For a time Ritchie staved off the danger, but the attack was too hot and persistent to last. Moir at last found an opening, and the teams once more stood level. From the restart, the Blues again bore down, but both teams were now on their mettle, and Shiach was again prominent. Midfield play ensued; and then a prolonged siege was laid to the Whites goal. Ritchie being prominent for accurate centring, which failed to be taken advantage of. Eventually a free kick increased the danger, but the defence was sound, and play was transferred to the home quarters. A free kick further aided the progress of the Whites, but the half-back sent over the ball, and Findlay was cautioned by the referee for ducking From the ensuing goal kick, the Blues were soon swarming round the visitors' goal, and a penalty was awarded owing to Henderson handling. Moir made no mistake with the kick, and the Vics took the lead. From the re-start, the Vics attacked but off-side was given against Livingston although he did not touch the ball. A minute later the Vics were back at the other end, and a weak save by Ritchie was returned to the net by Moir, who was in a great goal-scoring mood From the re-start, play hovered dangerously near the visitors' goal, but ultimately a good break away by the Whites was capped by a good shot from the foot of Shiach, which grazed the upright. To all appearance, the Whites were a beaten team, and the spectators began to leave the ground. The Whistle went soon after with the score standing: Victoria United 5, Aberdeen 3.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 12th September 1898

It was a capital crowd who assembled to witness the only game in Aberdeen. The wind was too strong for anything like a good display, but notwithstanding this the game was brimful of interest, and quite worth the "tanner" charged.
Aberdeen were fortunate in winning the toss, and played with both wind and sun in their favour. Vics kicked off, and ran the ball through to the astonishment of both the spectators and players. Whites pressed hard, but could not get an opening for some time. Fullerton, after some good play, got a point, and the game stood level.
Play became rather disjointed, being principally confined to individual work. The strong wind played the mischief with combination. Shiach put on another point for the Whites before half time. Aberdeen had decidedly the best of matters in the opening period, but were met with a strong defence.
Vics took the field with a black band on their arms out of respect for Kilgour, who was absent owing to the death of his father. The flag floated half-mast high.
With the wind, and only a goal down, Vics looked like winners. Moir soon placed the teams level. Aberdeen again took up the running, and the forwards rushed down. Shiach ended by sending in a grand shot which had the desired effect.
A few exciting encounters were witnessed, and we should say some of the play was on the north side of being in conformity with the rules, but the referee did not seem to notice it. Moir again equalised with a beautiful shot taken well out. Ritchie had it in his hands, but could not save. The Vics' fourth point was in our opinion a questionable one. Henderson's hand came in contact with the ball, what we took to be quite accidentally, but the referee awarded a penalty, and from it Moir again scored. Just by way of creating a record afternoon's goal-scoring, Moir put on the fifth and last goal of the game.
The grass under the grand stand getting on fire nearly set the stand ablaze, but the danger was averted by a few budding Inksters.
Before starting Aberdeen protested on the grounds of Runcie having played in a match for the Combworkers during the close season.
The Northern League flag, which was to have been unfurled, is not yet ready, and the ceremony had to be postponed.
Ritchie was miserably weak in goal for the Whites. Joe Davidson may occupy this position within the next week or two.
McConnochie played a rare game at back, and had a worthy partner in John Davidson. The halves all played well, and forward Shiach carried off chief honours. Livingston has played better. Fullerton is coming all right in centre.
In the Vics team, Moir was by far the best man. He was responsible for all five goals. His forward play was exceptionally good all through, and quite free from selfishness. Dakers was the best of the defence, but the absence of Kilgour was severely felt. The halves got a lot of hard work, and did it well.
The amount drawn at the gate and stand amounted to £50. Not at all bad, but still we expected it would be more.

Source: Bon-Accord, 15th September 1898