The Aberdeen 4 - 4 Victoria United

These teams met in the final match of the Rhodesia Cup competition at Pittodrie Park, before a large turnout of spectators. The weather, though dry, was threatening but the ground was in excellent condition. The teams lined up as follows: Victoria United: Findlay; Kilgour, Thain; Dorian, Craig, Stronach; McHardy. R. Ritchie, Burnett, Forsyth, J. Ritchie. Aberdeen: Bisset; Mackie, Ritchie; Cameron, Thomson, Gregory; Robertson, McKay Livingston, Gray, Shiach. Aberdeen won the toss, and the United kicked-off towards the sea. The homesters were the first to become aggressive, and forced a corner, which, however, proved fruitless. The Blues now took up the running, and Bisset was kept busy for a time. A rush up the field by the Aberdeen looked dangerous, but McKay, with an open goal before him, shot high over the cross-bar. Play now hovered round the Vics' goal, but Findlay managed to beat back the re¬peated attacks of the Aberdeen forwards. The Blues once more got down, and Forsyth shot strongly into the net, giving Bisset no chance of saving. About a minute afterwards Aberdeen were awarded a penalty, and Livingston easily equalised By good passing tactics the Vics once more got into range, and McHardy placed his side again in the lead. Nettled at this reverse, the homesters pressed considerably, and the game became very fast. Rain now began to fall heavily, and the players found difficulty in keeping their feet. Half-time arrived with the scores standing: Victoria United 2, Aberdeen 1.

On resuming, the United immediately got down and forced a corner, which, however, came to nothing, Aberdeen had now a look in, but the backs cleared. Immediately afterwards the Whites once more got down. Findlay caught the ball but was pushed over by the Aberdeen forwards. The Blues, however, were not done yet, and rushed the ball towards Bisset, who was once more beaten. The game now became very fast, both goals being visited, in rapid succession. McHardy and Bob Ritchie were together responsible for a fourth goal for the Vics. Just before time, however. Aberdeen scored other two goals in rapid succession. and a keenly contested game ended: Victoria United 4 goals, Aberdeen 4 goals.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 8th May 1900