The Aberdeen 5 - 2 Arbroath

Aberdeen and Arbroath tried conclusions at Central Park, Aberdeen. Both teams were strongly represented as follows: Aberdeen: Ritchie; Joe Davidson, McConnochie; Jamieson, Mackie, Thomson; Livingston, Mackay, Fullerton, Gray, Shiach. Arbroath: Harris; Kelly, Clark; McGlashan, Gill, Davidson; Middleton, Milne, J. Brown, H. Brown, Leuchars. Referee: Mr Riddell The game was keenly contested, and the first half resulted: Aberdeen 4, Arbroath 1. In the second half the play was more even in character, but the Whites maintained their supremacy, and the game ended: Aberdeen 5, Arbroath 2.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 9th January 1899

Arbroath are famous for giving a good account of themselves away from home. Their visit to Central has been looked forward to for some time. Aberdeen turned out without Henderson, who was away through the death of one of his relatives. Jim Mackie went centre half and Jamieson of the second was entrusted with the right half position.
A good start was made. It was not long, however, before players found they could not use much freedom, owing to the slippery ground. Right from the start falls were numerous, and no end of amusement was created when a player suddenly sat down trying to kick the ball. Aberdeen had to play down first half, and soon Harris had his work cut out for him. Arbroath have always had a brilliant defence, and a better balanced lot than the present would be difficult to find. It was some considerable time after the start until the scoring began. Davie Gray opened with a good shot, after Fullerton and Mackay had the hardest of luck in not beating Harris. When once the Whites found the way into the net they dropped on other three in a very short time. Arbroath paid a surprise visit to Ritchie and managed to score just before half-time.

Without leaving the field the game was restarted, and the opening of the second period looked blue for Aberdeen. On the ball being kicked off Arbroath made tracks for Ritchie, and scored seconds after the commencement. They still kept up the pressure, and had not Ritchie been on his best behaviour the leeway would soon have been made up. The Aberdeen defence rose to the occasion in fine style, and defied all the efforts of the Maroons to score. The Whites gradually took the game in hand and completely hemmed in their opponents. After a lovely bit of work by Fullerton, the ball was on, and Davie Gray beat Harris for the fifth time. Right on to the finish Aberdeen held the upper hand and made rings round their opponents, but no further scoring took place and the game ended: Aberdeen 5, Arbroath 2.

The Whites, all over played a splendid game. Jamieson was rather anxious, but did well for a first appearance. Mackay was most prominent all through, but the five forwards gave a very good account of themselves, and few chances were let slip. Thomson and Mackie were in grand form, but the whole the defence played finely. Ritchie brought off some miraculous saves.
Good old Whites ! could you but lift the flag. There's some pretty stiff hurdles yet to get over, but none of them insurmountable.

Source: Bon-Accord, 12th January 1899