Victoria United 3 - 1 The Aberdeen

A keen cold air, without wind, and a true ground, favoured the meeting of the Aberdeen and Victoria United at Victoria Bridge Grounds, Torry. The United had several changes; Kilgour, Gardener, and McKenzie being away. The Whites were also not at full strength. There was only a fair crowd when the teams lined up as follows: Victoria United: Findlay; Thain, Marshall; Dundas, Stronach, Thomson; McHardy, Watson, Burnett, George Ritchie, R. Ritchie. Aberdeen: Ritchie; McConnochie, J. Davidson; Mackie, Henderson, Jamieson; Livingston, Mackay, Cameron, Gray, Shiach. Referee: Mr Baillie, St Bernards.

Aberdeen kicked off, and, after several ex¬changes, George Ritchie, from a pass by the right wing, scored for the United. Continuing to have by far the best of the game, the ground team tested the Aberdeen defence severely. At length George Ritchie scored again. A spell of less un¬equal play increased the excitement, and ultimately Mackie notched a point for the Aberdeen, and the score at half-time was: United 2, Aberdeen 1.

The only addition to the score in the second period was a goal by Burnett, for the United, soon after the restart, and the game ended: United 3, Aberdeen 1.

Towards the end of the game an unfortunate mishap occurred to L. Thomson, who received a kick in the stomach. The whistle was blown, and play ceased while efforts were made to restore the player's wind. He was, however, carried from the field complaining of a pain in the stomach.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 24th April 1899

That local matches are doomed for the season was evident from the poor turn out at Torry on Saturday. The game was a poor one, the Aberdeen's play especially so. One wonders what the Aberdeen mean to do with their new grounds. If they want the crowd to follow them they will have to take drastic steps in regard to their team. The least said about their play the better, it was below mediocrity. The Vics more than deserved their win, for they were the better team, though that is not saying much. To think that the Vics were Northern League champions last year, and now they are struggling in the mire at the bottom of the table. Like the Aberdeen they also require to take drastic steps with their team. The public won't pay long for such exhibitions of football as was witnessed on Saturday.

Source: Bon-Accord, 27th April 1899