The Aberdeen 1 - 0 Orion

There was an interesting match played at Victoria Bridge Grounds, Aberdeen, on Saturday afternoon in the first round of the competition for the handsome shield presented by Lord Provost Fleming as a trophy to be annually contested for by senior clubs in Aberdeen in matches where the proceeds are to go towards charitable objects. The contestants were the Aberdeen and Orion teams, both of which were well represented by the following players: Aberdeen: Bisset; Mackie, Douglas; Cameron, Thomson, Wilson; Fullerton, Cable, Livingston, Mackay, Shiach. Orion: Morrison; Strang, Ross; Currie, Craigmyle, Craig; G. Grant, J. Grant, Barron, Melvin, Massie. Mr Gorman, Paisley, acted as referee.

In the first half the game was fairly equal, and each goalkeeper had his duty to do in keeping out likely shots. Morrison especially was applauded for the clever manner in which he turned aside swift shots from Cameron and R. Mackay. For Orion Barron had a brilliant run down the field, but before he could give his parting kick Mackie had conceded a corner by sending the ball across the line. Nothing came of the corner. There was no scoring in the first-half.

About four minutes were lost in the first period through the ball bursting, and the interval extended to about 15 minutes while the "globe" was being repaired. After about 20 minutes' somewhat desultory play, Barron raised the hopes of the Orion supporters by rushing past all opposition except the goalkeeper, but his shot for goal went past the side of the post. Orion continued to press for a time. After a rush down the field Aberdeen forwards swarmed round the Orion's goalposts, and, amid loud applause, Shiach, the outside left, scored the first and only goal of the match about ten minutes from the call of time.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 26th March 1900

The first round for the Lord Provost's Shield took place on Saturday in ideal football weather, .and before a large gathering of spectators. The Provost, who had intimated his willingness to kick-off, was unable to do so, but his reception when he arrived was none the less hearty. We greatly fear that the Provost ought not to have been at Torry at all, as he is now laid up with an attack of rheumatism. Aberdeen were not long in forcing the pace, evidently wanting to show that their recent good form was no flash in the pan. Livingston and Shiach were again the most conspicuous for their side, and had it not been for exceptionally good play on the part of Morrison, Orion would not have been long in finding themselves left in the rear. The Orion after some time got their proper stride, and made things hum round the Aberdeen goal, but, like Morrison, Bisset was not to be beaten. Play was very fast, so fast that the players looked a bit tired, but the bursting of the ball gave them a well-earned rest. The excitement among the players had now spread to the spectators, and part of the railing which enclosed the pitch gave way, but luckily no one was hurt, the mishap being looked upon more as a joke than anything else - at least by those on the stand. At half-time neither side had scored.

After an interval of considerable length, to which we did not object, for it was a cold day, the play was again commenced, Aberdeen as in the first half showing up best. We were heartily sorry for Bisset, he did look cold, and we think he welcomed the few visits that Orion paid him. Orion made desperate attempts to score, but Mackie and Douglas were always on the stop frustrating every move of the Orion forwards. Mackie was very good indeed, and at one time beat the whole front line of Orion. The sterling play of the Aberdeen was bound to tell, however, and Shiach, seizing a favourable opportunity, banged the ball into the net, and the cheer that went up could have been heard at Pittodrie. It was a great day for the Whites, and no one who saw the game can deny but what they deserved to win.

Source: Bon-Accord, 29th March 1900