The Aberdeen 3 - 3 Orion

A big crowd surrounded the ropes at Central Park to witness the important Northern League fixture between Aberdeen and Orion. The weather was dull, and the ground was in a very slippery condition. Both teams were strongly represented, Thom appearing for the Orion for the second time this season. Teams: Orion: Watson; Low, Scott; Currie, Low, Wilson; Webster, McPherson; Thom; Grant, Hogg. Aberdeen: Ritchie; McConnachie, Joe Davidson; Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Livingstone, Mackay; Fullerton; Gray, Shiach. Referee: Mr W. W. King, Glasgow.

Aberdeen won the toss, and Thom's division for the Orion at once bore down on Ritchie, who was compelled to use his hands. Relief was brought, and the Whites smartly transferred to within shooting distance of Watson. The parting shot was weak, and the Stripes, by lovely passing on the left, took the ball down. Football of a superior order was played, but the Orion were the stronger team, and at half time they led by 2 to 1. In the second period the home team had most of the play, and the game was hotly contested throughout, the result being a draw at 3 goals each.

Source: Bon-Accord, 31st October 1898

Both teams were very much in want of points, Orion to get to the top and Aberdeen to get away from the foot. John Davidson and Hugh Ross were absent. Otherwise, the teams were at full strength. The purse bearers wore a pleasant smile, and no wonder, for the crowd was about a record one for Central. Unfortunately the wet ground placed the teams at a disadvantage. The players found it very difficult at times to keep their feet. From the start play was of a most interesting nature, and the spectators got a good ninety minutes. Orion had the first goal, but offside was strongly claimed, it being held that Ritchie was obstructed. Thom gave the finishing touch to the point. The Whites were now and then giving Watson some work, and at last Gray managed to find the net. Ere half-time was called McPherson placed Orion one up with a grand shot.

On resuming, Aberdeen, with the incline in their favour, played hard to get equal, but Orion were the first to score in this half. Hogg doing the needful. Nettled at this, and cheered on by their supporters, the Whites took the game in hand. First Livingstone and then Fullerton scored within a few minutes. Play then ruled even, both ends being repeatedly visited. Some rather rough play was witnessed, but the referee put it down promptly, although sometimes not to the mind of the crowd. In our opinion the game should have been stopped nearly 10 minutes before time was called. If the referee could follow the ball it was much more than the majority of the spectators could do. What glorious referees some of the spectators would make. It's a pity to see so many even superior to Tom Robertson - in their own estimation - standing round the ropes.
Taking Aberdeen first, we were very pleased that Ritchie has regained his old form. He was in grand fettle, saving no end of good shots. Joe Davidson was the better of the backs, playing with his usual dash. McConnochie found the ground very much against him. The three halves all played well. A few more tries for goal downhill would be an improvement. Forward, all were pretty much on a par. Fullerton is improving at centre. The whole five played a strong, useful game.
In regard to Orion we have a word of advice to Watson. Don't hold the ball so long after saving. When you do throw out send the ball to some of the sides, and not straight in front. Try fisting a little more. Jim Low was a capital substitute for Hugh Ross. Allan Scott never seems to play under form. His judgment is well-nigh perfect. We regret very much that Wilson should have resorted to shady tactics. He is by far too good a player to spoil himself by that sort of work. Forward. Jim Thom was "oph." It looked as if he was afraid of risking much on the wet ground. Both wings were in fine form, but with the weakness at centre a lot of good work went for nothing. Taking the game all over it was just about equal for a draw.

Source: Bon-Accord, 3rd November 1898