Victoria United 2 - 2 The Aberdeen

The final tie in connection with the Rhodesia Cup was played off last night, when Aberdeen met the Victoria United at Central Park, Kittybrewster. There was a fairly large attendance for a week-night match. Teams:- Aberdeen: Bisset; Walker, Ross; Sangster, Thomson, Murphy; Gaiters, C. Mackie, Macdonald, Buchan, Shiach. Victoria United: Murray; Kilgour, McHardy; Ritchie, Murray, Robertson; Knowles, Stephen, Lindsay, Ferries, Ritchie. Mr. Thomson, Orion, was referee.

In the opening minutes of the game the Vics looked like scoring, but Aberdeen put up a strong defence, and managed to shake off the attack. The Whites gradually worked their way up field, and through Kilgour and Murray bungling, Macdonald scored the first goal. A few minutes later C. Mackie scored brilliantly. After tricking three or four of his opponents, he sent the ball right into the et with a swift, low shot. Play thereafter ruled even till half-time.

In the second half matters became a little more exciting. The Whites were down on their opponents' goal, and the Vics had a rather hard time during the first quarter of an hour of the second round. Ultimately the Vics got up the field, and after a scrimmage at the goalmouth, Lindsay succeeded in scoring. The contest now became very keen, and both ends of the field were repeatedly visited. The Vics, however, again secured the mastery, and McHardy, with a beautiful shot, netted the ball, thus equalising matters. During the remainder of the game Aberdeen made a strenuous effort to score, but were unsuccessful, and the remaining moments of the match were very exciting.

The Vics only required one point to ensure their being placed first on the table, and are thus holders of the cup for the ensuing season. Last year Orion were the holders of the trophy.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 8th May 1903