The Aberdeen 3 - 3 Victoria United

A fancy dress football match, between teams representing the Victoria United and the Aberdeen Football Clubs, in aid of the benevolent fund of St Peter's Catholic Union, Aberdeen, was played at Pittodrie Grounds last night before a large turnout of spectators. The following are the names of and characters represented by those composing the teams: Victoria United: Findlay (Irishman); Kilgour (African, Traveller), Thain (Military Officer); Craig (Convict No. 91), Stronach (Lady Bather), Drummond (Ranji); McHardy (Tommy Atkins), Ingram (Kaffir), Taylor (French Officer), Burnett (Jockey), G. Ritchie (Deeside Highlander). Linesman: D. Auld (Geisha). Aberdeen: Bisset (Darkie); Mackie (General), Douglas (Rob Roy); Cameron (Colonial), Thomson (Jockey), Wilson (Chinese Clown); H. Ritchie (Negro Minstrel), Milne (Young Lady), Livingstone (Highlander), Shiach (a Gay Gordon), D. Gray (Irishman). Linesman: J. Ritchie (Napoleon). Mr B. McCann, who appeared as President Kruger, acted as referee. The Aberdeen team were the first to appear on the field, their grotesque appearance being greeted with a shout from the spectators. They were closely followed by the United, and before play was commenced both teams were photographed by Mr E. M. Middleton, King Street. The Aberdeen kicked off, and after a run down the field the Gay Gordon almost scored. The ball used was of the Rugby pattern, and it soon became amply evident to the spectators that the game was to be played on entirely new lines. Kruger was very much in evidence, and in his capacity of referee came to grief several times - as a matter of fact, the teams mistook his top hat for the ball, and in a short, time it presented a most dilapidated aspect. The game was of a somewhat fluctuating character, and the battle raged fiercely at each goal in turn. Scoring was a matter of indifference, but the referee made, things square by awarding a goal at occasional intervals. One of the linesmen (the Geisha) was armed with a huge club, which was used effectively at frequent intervals. Convict 91, feeling tired, lay down on the field and had a smoke during the progress of the game, and the "Young Lady" puffed away at a cigarette. At half-time the game was declared by a majority to stand at 2 goals each.

In the second half some startling play was witnessed, and the game developed into Rugby. Rob Roy careered madly down the field with the ball, pursued by the whole motley crowd, and the leather was ultimately landed in the grand stand. Fouls were frequent, and Kruger's decisions not always meeting with approval, he was occasionally very roughly handled. One of the Irishmen rendered good service to his side by banging the ball with his shillelah. Play ended about eight o'clock, and as a finale Kruger was carried shoulder-high from the field. According to the referee, the scores at the finish were 3 goals each.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 24th April 1900