The Aberdeen 1 - 3 St Bernards

Yesterday, in Pittodrie Grounds, Aberdeen, before a large crowd of spectators, a friendly contest took place between the St Bernard, Edinburgh, and the Aberdeen Football Club. The weather was dull and threatening, and the ground owing to the recent rain, was in a somewhat soft condition. It was consequently difficult for the men to keep a steady footing The teams were St Bernards: Wilkie; Kay, Wood; Buchanan, Philipps, Maxwell; F. Waddell, Atherton, Turner, Bell, Lee. Aberdeen: Bisset; Mackie, Douglas; Cameron, Henderson, Thomson; Livingstone, Linton, Mackay, Gray, Shiach. Mr Jas. Morrison was referee. Aberdeen won the toss, and the St Bernards kicked off. At the outset of the game, the St Bernards displayed much vigour, and at once assumed, the aggressive, but Aber¬deen protected their stronghold with success. For a time play was of an even character. Aberdeen at one point made headway, and Mackay, getting on the ball, made a beautiful effort for goal, but the Saints' cus¬todian saved in grand style. The Blues now took up the running, and soon they rushed the ball towards Bisset, who was beaten by a swift and cunning shot from Turner. Shortly afterwards half-time was signalled. On resuming play, the St Bernards pressed, and goal¬keeper Bisset got several hard shots to negotiate, which he did well. The Whites now took up the running, and made things hot for their opponents, but ultimately the ball was got away. After some play in midfield, the Blues, by fine combination, rushed the ball down the field, and on several occasions experienced hard lines in not scoring. One or two attempts on the part of the home team to score proved futile. Towards the close of the second half the play became a little rough, fouls being of frequent occurrence. The St Bernards, through Philipps, managed, after several unsuccessful attempts, to score. Shortly before the whistle blew, Mackay, for the Aberdeen men, amid great excitement, scored, after which the Blues seemed determined to add another, and this they did through Buchanan. At the finish the result stood; St Bernard, 5 goals; Aberdeen, 1 goal.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 26th September 1899

The holiday fixture between the Aberdeen and St Bernards was largely attended. It was generally thought that the Aberdeen would more than hold their own against their rivals, who, this season, are playing in a disappointing manner; but this they were unable to do, being beaten by 3-1. The ground was in a soft condition, and at times the players had difficulty in keeping their feet.
The first half was fairly evenly contested, though the Saints had slightly the best of play, their rushes being difficult to hold, from one of which they scored their first and only goal of this half.
The second half saw the Saints in better form, and do what they could the Aberdeen could make no headway, every attack being met by a grim defence which could not be borne down, and it was only in the last few minutes of the game that Aberdeen managed to secure their only goal. But before this the Saints had scored a second, and making a supreme effort after the Aberdeen scored they notched another, running out winners, and deservedly so, by 3-1.

Source: Bon-Accord, 28th September 1899