Victoria United 3 - 2 The Aberdeen

Last night, in the Victoria Bridge Grounds, these teams met in friendly rivalry. Votaries and admirers of the game were present in full strength, and the enthusiasm displayed on their part added considerably to the keen and somewhat exciting nature of the play. The members of both teams were in excellent form when they lined up as follows: Victoria United: Findlay; Thain, Marshall; Craig, Stronach, Thomson; McHardy, Murphy, Burnett, Taylor, Watson; Aberdeen: Bisset; Lamont, Mackie; Henderson, Wilson, Thomson; Livingston, Mackay, Cameron, Gray, Shiach. The United, when play began, were labouring under a slight disadvantage, as the rays of the setting sun reflected in their faces. Notwithstanding this, they set to work with confidence, and before a minute had elapsed Watson scored. This achievement gave courage, but the Whites were equal to their opponents, and followed by securing a goal through Gray. The ball had scarcely been set in motion again when Gray, with coolness and tact, once more shot for goal and successfully did the needful. Play at this stage was lacking in combination, and it was also plainly evident that a few of the players were erratic when a smart pass might have helped. But these defects, with a little more practice as the season advances, should disappear. At the end of the first half the United vigorously pressed, but without success. On one occasion they were smartly repulsed by goalkeeper Bisset. The second half of the game was at several stages fast and furious, the United apparently being determined to equalise. This they managed to do shortly after play was resumed. Although the Aberdeen team endangered the fortress of their opponents for a time, their shooting and combination at the critical moment fell short of the mark. Again the United added another goal to their total, and the match thus ended: United 3 goals, Aberdeen 2 goals. The United had the best of the play in the second half.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 18th August 1899