Victoria United 4 - 2 The Aberdeen

The meeting of the Aberdeen and Victoria United in a Rhodesia Cup tie at Torry was expected to be productive of some exciting day, this because of the recent improved play shown by the Torry men, and also because two or three of the usual team of the Aberdeen were doubtful starters owing to indisposition. The ground was in fine trim, and except for a somewhat disconcerting breeze the weather conditions were all that could be desired both from the players' and spectators' view points. When the gates were opened to admit the spectatorate there was already a considerable knot of enthusiasts tailing towards the banks of the Dee. The teams were as follows: Victoria United: Findlay; Kilgour, Thain; Dundas, Durie, Thomson; Runcie, Gardiner, McKenzie, Watson, Ritchie. Aberdeen: Ritchie; John Davidson, McConnochie; Henderson, Joe Davidson, Thomson; Fullerton, Cameron, Mackie, Mackay, Shiach. Referee: Mr Allison, Paisley. The game was contested in stubborn style by both sides, and at half-time the score was one goal each. In the second half the Vics added three goals to their score, and the Aberdeen one.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 13th March 1899

The improved form shown by the Vics lately was in a great measure accountable for the £30 gate at Torry. It was well known that owing to injuries received by several of their players Aberdeen would be under strength, and great interest was manifested as to the composition of the Whites' team. Gray and Livingston, however, were the only absentees; Shiach, though a cripple, gallantly turning out. The only alteration on the Vics side was Runcie replacing McHardy.
The first half was capitally contested, both sides showing to much advantage, and at half-time the score stood 1-1. On resuming, McKenzie had a solo run almost the length of the field, finishing by scoring, repeating the trick a short time after, giving his side a lead by 2 goals. Aberdeen pressed very hard and the Vics goal ran some narrow escapes. If ever the Blues got the present of a goal it was on Saturday. A shot was sent in from far out. Henry Ritchie ran out to kick, missed, and the ball rolled into the net. The language of the Whites' supporters at this misfortune had a decided brimestony smell. The Aberdeen were in no way disheartened, and swarmed round Findlay, their efforts being eventually rewarded, Fullerton doing the needful. No further scoring took place and the Vics won by 4-2.

Taking the game as a whole it was very interesting. Vics played the best football we have seen them do for a long time, They had all the luck and the best of the refereeing. Aberdeen made a great mistake in not filling up the vacancies instead of re-arranging their team. Henry Ritchie, bar the one mistake, was all right in goal. The backs were under form; halves all good. It would not be fair to criticise the forwards, they gave a poor show.
On the Blues' side, Findlay was in his usual good form. The backs played strongly; the halves excelled themselves. Forward McKenzie was the star, and was splendidly backed up by Watson and Gardner. Bobbie Ritchie was in something like his old form; Runcie very fair considering the position he was playing in. The win should do the Vics a great deal more good than the loss will do the Aberdeen team harm. The closer the teams are to one another the more interest is taken in the competition, and we are sure the next meeting of the Blues and Whites will draw a much larger crowd.

Source: Bon-Accord, 17th March 1899