Orion 2 - 3 The Aberdeen

These teams engaged in a friendly match at Cattofield yesterday afternoon. Over a thousand spectators lined the enclosure. The teams took the field in the following order:- Aberdeen: Bisset; Walker, Thomson; Sangster, Watson, Murphy; Paterson, C. Mackie, Macdonald, Buchan, Shiach. Orion: Ritchie; Bremner, Mathieson; Burnett, Low, Esplin; Prophet, Mackintosh, Thom, Henderson, Lawrie. Mr. Arthur Watt, of the Victoria United, was referee.

Orion kicked off up the hill. Aberdeen early took the upper hand, and within ten minutes had twice beaten Ritchie, Buchan on both occasions putting the finishing touch. Now and again the Orion looked dangerous, but for most of the first half Bisset had little to do. In a scrimmage, Shiach put on the third goal, and a minute later at the other end Bisset fisted out a well-directed shot. The Aberdeen forwards showed commendable vigour and dash, and were grandly supported by their halves, especially Walker and Thomson, who played with their characteristic robustness. The Orion defence was shaky, and the forwards, although at times giving a fairly good exhibition, were invariably floored by their opponents' defence, Walker especially being prominent.

On resuming, Orion showed improved form, and Mackintosh opened the scoring for his side. Play became very fast, the ground team making a gallant effort to improve their position. Shortly after Mackintosh sent in a stunning shot which shaved the upright by inches. Orion kept up a spirited attack, and amid great enthusiasm, Lawrie put on a second goal five minutes form time.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 3rd January 1903