The Aberdeen 2 - 1 Orion

Aberdeen and Orion played at Pittodrie Park in their return Northern League match. This game was played in December, but owing to darkness intervening the match was stopped, and the replay consequently took place on Saturday. The weather was all that could be desired, and the pitch in excellent condition. Considerable interest was taken in the fixture owing to the fact that both teams, along with Dundee A, and Arbroath, are running very closely for the championship. There was a large crowd of spectators. The teams lined up as follows:- Aberdeen: Bisset; Douglas, Thomson; J. Mackie, Sangster, Brown; R. Mackay, Davidson, C. Mackie, Fullerton, Shiach. Orion: Ritchie; Thomson, Ross; Currie, Willox, Wright; Livingston, Prophet, Barron, Wilson, Ritchie.Mr. Jackson, Rangers, was referee.

Orion won the toss and Aberdeen kicked off towards the city against a strong sun. The homesters immediately got down, and forced a corner, which, however, proved fuitless. Aberdeen continued to have the best of the exchanges, but the shooting of the forwards left much to be desired. Ritchie, the Orion's outside left, tested Bisset with a dangerous shot, which the latter cleared with difficulty. Mackie then lost a good opportunity by shooting wide. Orion now took up the running, and got down into the Aberdeen quarters. Ritchie shot strongly for goal, but Bisset, in clearing, threw the ball among Barron's feet, and that player sent the ball flying into the net.

On resuming, Orion openerd strongly, and were soon in front of Bisset. Prophet, after getting past the Aberdeen backs, crossed strongly to Barron, who easily found the net. The referee, however, disallowed the point on account of offside. Some fine combination was now shown by the Aberdeen. Repeatedly Ritchie was called upon to clear. At last success attended the efforts of the ground team, J. Mackie equalising with a fast shot. Once more on an equal footing, both teams strove hard for the lead, but Aberdeen played the better game. Towards the end, and after several attempts to score, Fullerton placed his side one up. The game now became very fast and exciting, and Orion strove vigorously to equalise, but failed.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 11th March, 1901