The Aberdeen 3 - 2 Arbroath

A Northern League match was played between these teams at Pittodrie Park, Aberdeen. The players were: Aberdeen: Bisset; Mackay, Douglas; Wilson, Thompson, Cameron; Livingston, Milne, Fullarton, Gray, Shiach. Arbroath: Harris; Thompson, Clark; McGlashan, Cargill, H. Brown; James Brown, Middleton, Leuchars, Mathers, Robertson. Mr Keith, Dalbeattie, was referee. The game opened with very little excitement, but later on play became somewhat brisker, and Milne, from the outside right, scored in splendid style for Aberdeen. In the second half Thomson and Livingstone, in quick succession, added other two points to the score of the home team. From this point, however, Arbroath made several well-combined rushes, and succeeded in scoring twice.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 25th December 1899

The team that did duty for Arbroath at Pittodrie was considerably below strength, several of their regular eleven being absent. When this is taken into account, the qualifying finalists die very well in only getting beaten by 3-2. There was not more than five hundred spectators present, the majority of whom seemed to be rabid "Whites" supporter! This fact was fully borne out in the stand at least, only one occupant having the good grace to applaud when Arbroath scored, while anything worthy of notice done by the Aberdeen received every encouragement. This is a very unsportsmanlike spirit to show, but it is so seldom that the Pittodrieites taste the sweets of victory they they may be forgiven for their one-sidedness on this occasion.

Coming to the game, the score fairly indicates the run of the play, Aberdeen having slightly the best of it all through. Their third goal, however, was a bit of a fluke, the Arbroath's right back knocking the ball into his own net. Milne, of the 'Varsity, was given a trial at inside right by the Aberdeen. He is a young player with a fine style, and only wants a little experience to make him good enough for the rest of the forwards. The ground was frozen hard, which made it difficult for the players to keep their feet, the visitors seeming to suffer most in this respect. The attendance of spectators at matches in Aberdeen is growing beautifully less every week. The crowd at Torry on Saturday could have been easily counted. What is the cause of it - bad weather or bad football? Club managers should not buoy up their hopes by imagining that when the weather improves the gates will improve also. Such a happy state of matters will not take place in Aberdeen this season. The public are getting tired now of the exhibitions they have been treated to, and are longing for the finish.

Source: Bon-Accord, 28th December 1899