The Aberdeen 2 - 5 Orion

The match between the Aberdeen and Orion at Central Park in the second round of the Scottish Qualifying Cup proved a good draw; and as the Victoria United were playing away at Dundee, a large crowd lined the enclosure. The supporters of the Aberdeen were confident in the success of their team, especially after the display which they gave the previous Saturday. Before the match commenced, the Orion lodged a protest on account of Thomson having taken part in an eleven a-side competition at Barry Camp in the close season. After the boots of the teams had been duly inspected by the referee, they lined up as follows:?Aberdeen: Joe Davidson; John Davidson, McConnachie; Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Livingston, Cameron, Fullerton, McKay, Shiach. Orion: Watson; Scott, Ross; Wilson, Low, Currie; Hogg, Stopani, Barron, Grant, McPherson. Referee: Mr Spence, Glasgow.

The Aberdeen won the toss, and the Orion kicking off down the hill at once bore down by means of a long forward pass by Hogg on the left. The parting shot went wide, however, and danger was averted. The Whites essayed to push their way uphill, but the incline told against the niceties of passing. The Stripes were playing a strong dashing game, and Davidson now and then experienced an anxious time. Still, the Aberdeen were by no means content to act on the defensive, and Shiach on the right and Livingstone on the left were prominent for good runs; and at last a rather easy shot from the foot of Fullerton found the net, amid the frantic cheers of the Aberdeen supporters. Nettled by this reverse, the Orion strove hard to equalise; and a series of fierce assaults looked threatening for Davidson. For a time the attack was warded off, but at length, coming in a body, the Orion swarmed round the homesters' goal, and the ball, after bobbing about from head to head, was headed past Davidson. From the restart, both teams strained every nerve to obtain a lead, and the play ranged rapidly from end to end. After a lull in the game, the Whites took up the running, but only for a brief spell; and amidst cries of "Come away, Orion," the Stripes burst away in irresistible style. Hogg crossed to Grant, and that player out-pacing the backs found himself with only Davidson to beat. Shooting on the run, he made no mistake, and gave Davidson no chance to save, with a low, oblique shot. End-to-end play followed, the ball travelling with the greatest rapidity from goal to goal, but the Orion were playing the stronger game, there being no sting in the attack of the Whites. A few minutes before half-time the best bit of play so far was seen when the Stripes carried the ball down by a series of sharp see-saw manoeuvres. The finishing touch was equally quick, McPherson shooting across from near the goal line, and Barron bundling the ball through. Shortly after, the whistle went with the score: Orion 3, Aberdeen 1.

On resuming the hopes of the Aberdeen supporters again rose. The Whites went down in a body, and the ball was shot past Watson from a scrimmage close in. The Whites redoubled their efforts from the restart, and play raged fast and furious. Next blood came from the other side, however, and as the result of a raid on Davidson's end, Low secured, and beat that custodian close in. For the next 10 minutes play never flagged, give and take play of a lively nature being the order of the day. At last the Aberdeen, who had been improving in their play considerably, assumed the upper hand, and kept up a prolonged pressure. Ultimately, the Orion again resumed the offensive, and from a scrimmage close in the ball was sent past Davidson for the fifth time. The hopes of the Aberdeen supporters had already begun to fall, but their cup was now full. No more scoring took place, however, and the game ended: Orion, 5; Aberdeen, 2.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 26th September 1898

In glorious weather and before a rare crowd round number two was decided. Everything was in favour of a grand game, but we could not say it came off.. Webster was absent from Orion's attack, Stopani filling the gap. The usual Protest was lodged, this time against an Aberdeen player, Thomson. Many thanks, Aberdeen, for the press box. If not exactly a thing of beauty, it will be a joy, etc. It's very comfortable. Orion got a bit of a surprise when Fullarton banged through the first goal of the match. Orion were not long in getting equal. Both forward lines were playing with considerable dash and some pretty combined runs were seen. A corner kicked by, Hogg was headed through, but the referee ordered it to be kicked over again for some reason or other. Orion with the hill in their favour were having most of the play. Aberdeen's defence, however, were in grand fettle. At half time the game stood. Orion 3, Aberdeen 1. Charlie Fyfe was on the stand seeing his team win. He has not got rid of the sticks yet, but he is getting along all right. Jim Dunn, one of the originators of Orion who, along with John McKay used to compose the left wing was also among the spectators. Lemon time having elapsed, both teams were soon in the thick of the game again. Aberdeen dashed down and a long shot found the mark. This looked rosy, and playing down hill the White's supporters were confident of success. John Low got a goal and Orion stood two up. Whites hopes fell. When. number five was put on towards the finish Aberdeen fell to pieces. Orion undoubtedly won by adapting themselves to the ground. The Whites have not had long enough playing on an incline to take full advantage of the brae. Shiach was the best forward on the field. Hogg did some pretty work in the open, but near goal, well, the parting shot was either far wide or a "skyscraper." The other four Whites' forwards were poor down hill. There seemed to be no dash in them bar an occasional burst by Livingstone. The halves tackled and kicked well but will have to study placing and fol1owing up more. John Davidson and McConnochie played grandly. John especially. Joe in goal had hard work and kept out some fine shots. On Orion's side John Low was the outstanding player. He played a perfect half back game and secured two of the goals. The forwards were always on the run. McPherson played the best game he has yet done for the Stripes. The rest were all about equal. Ross, Scott, and Watson defended extremely well, but their task was a good bit lightened by the fine play of Orion's halves.

Mr Walker of the Orion has lost his second son suddenly under particularly distressing circumstances. We are sure the sympathy of all will go to him and Mrs Walker in their sad bereavement.

Mr W. B. Wood, who has held the general secretaryship of the Aberdeen with so much acceptance has had to resign through pressure of business. We regret Mr Wood's resignation, as he was a most capable official. Mr W. A. Ellis, who has taken so much interest in the Whites for a considerable time back, has been appointed to take his place and he will undoubtedly prove a worthy successor. Communications should be addressed to 5 Lemon Street.

Source: Bon-Accord, 29th September 1898