The Aberdeen 6 - 4 Forfar Athletic

In dull, drizzling weather, and on a rather sloppy ground, Aberdeen and Forfar Athletic tried conclusions at Central Park before a fair turnout of spectators in the Northern League championship. As it was the chief fixture in town, there was considerable interest in the match, and the Whites' backers were confident that their favourites would be more successful than they were a week ago. The Aberdeen team was the same as did duty on the, previous Saturday, with the exception that Maconnachie again took his place, in the team, and Mackie took Fullerton's place in the centre, the latter being absent owing to injuries. The teams lined up as follows: Aberdeen: Ritchie; John Davidson, McConnochie; Henderson, Joe Davidson, Thomson; Livingstone, Mackay, Mackie, Gray, Shiach. Forfar Athletic: J. Lindsay; W Thomson, T. Gibb; A. Taylor, E. Rodger, McFarlane; D. Profeit, Dixon, R, Booth, D. Webster, J. Couttie. Mr Logan, Falkirk, was referee.

Throughout the first half the visitors had by far the beat of matters, and When the whistle blew they led by three goals to one. The Aberdeen in the second half played in considerably improved form, and the game resulted: Aberdeen 6. Forfar Athletic 4.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 20th February 1899

Forfar, who have been playing much better lately, came north in the search for points. Aberdeen were without Fullerton. Joe Davidson played centre half and Jim Mackie went centre forward.
The opening was rather uninteresting, but when once the players got heated up, the game raged fast and furious. Forfar had the bulk of the play during the first half, and led at the interval by 3-1. On resuming, Mackay changed places with "Fairmer." Forfar, however, were the first to score, Coulter making the game 4-1.

The Aberdeen supporters did not relish this state of matters, and shouted to their favourites to play up. A penalty was awarded and Jim Mackie smartly scored. This was the turning point of the game. Aberdeen put far more life into their play, and completely hemmed their opponents in. Jim Mackie scored number three and Davie Gray got the equaliser shortly afterwards. Other two goals were got ere time, and Aberdeen secured the two points by 6-4.

For nearly the whole of the ninety minutes excitement ruled high. Forfar played a remarkably good game. Boath in the front line was best. The referee had several times to speak to the players for questionable tactics. Central was in wretched condition, and the players presented anything but a clean appearance when the game stopped. The Whites will not be sorry to leave the present ground. The condition of the ball did not give the goalkeeper a chance to shine; nevertheless, Ritchie brought off some good saves.
John Davidson played a fine game. Maconnochie was also very good. The halves have appeared to greater advantage. Forward, the left wing was best. Mackay played very well at centre. Mackie and Livingstone put in some good individual work, but there was little combination.
It now comes to be a race between Arbroath and Aberdeen for third place on the table. The Whites will make a good fight for it.

Source: Bon-Accord, 23rd February 1899