Aberdeen 5 - 1 Bon Accord

All over Scotland the second round of this competition was played on Saturday. There were a couple of undecided ties in the first round, and these were finally settled. The draws presented a splendid set of close games, and the results, with two exceptions, have fully realised this. In Aberdeen, the Bon-Accord had to meet the newly amalgamated team; speculation being intense as to the result, the crowd being well over 4000 at the start. In the minds of those who had seen the teams there was not much doubt as to the superior team, the question seemed to be more that of how many goals would divide them. Punctually at 3:30 Mr Nisbett had the teams in the field as follows:- Bon-Accord - McHattie; Craig and Gault; Paterson, Bell and Robertson; Knowles, Duncan, Lawrie, Ferries and G. Ritchie. Aberdeen:- Barret; Willox and McGregor; Sangster, Strang and Low; Shinner, Mackie, McKay, McAulay and Johnstone. As there were no less than half a dozen ex-Victoria United players whose doings last season excited the admiration of the habitués of Central Park, the Bon-Accord in no sense could be classed as a pick-up lot. This was manifested at the kick-off, when their old characteristic rush was met by a sound defence, which withstood more easily than some anticipated the darts the Blues made for goal. Aberdeen took longer time than usual to settle down, excitement seemed to be retarding their movements, especially in their short passing game, several efforts being nullified by the ball going to an opponent instead of to one of their own side. Never an idle moment was discerned; play if not brilliant, was cheered, especially when McHattie saved repeatedly. Pressure was gradually being brought to bear on the Bons' defence and though they withstood it for a little, it was observable that they were wavering, and their downfall came after half an hour's play, by Mackie walking through with the ball. A well judged shot by Tom Strang immediately after also took effect, and to the close of this period Aberdeen were all over the Bon-Accord. After breathing space had been exhausted, the 'Bons' started away again. Knowles middling beautifully, but there was nobody handy to convert. This was the weakness of the 'Bons' all through; their centre could never get away somehow, Strang keeping a tight rein on him. Some lovely work was now witnessed by the inside men of Aberdeen, McKay and McAulay showing some pretty dribbling and passing. A goal to the former was the result of a bit of class play, and the fourth goal of the match was of itself worth going to see, so pretty was it manoeuvred for. A corner for the 'Bons' met with the first success they had had, and Low was the medium of them scoring, but Aberdeen retaliated with a fifth, and so the game ended - Aberdeen, 5 goals; Bon-Accord, 1. At no time did the Bon-Accord impress one as being able to win, their forwards were fleet, but devoid of cohesion and without it success could never come. All the same the front line was the best part of the team, the halves were weak, Robertson, of whom great things were expected, being out of form altogether. The backs were erratic, and ventured to do more than they were capable of. McHattie, as a custodian, came out well for a first appearance. He is strong in punting, and with experience should make a class man. The only disappointing feature in the Aberdeen's play was the long time they took to settle down to methodical work. Once they did this their supporters were quite jubilant, for they more than held their own. Barret, Willox and McGregor all being able to meet the sudden burst which they had to negotiate at the start. Willox, for clean kicking and covering up, played the best game he has done yet for the new team, while McGregor made a big jump into popular favour. The halves were very good, Sangster had the left wing on a string all the time, and so had Strang, the centre forward. Low had the stiffest pair to negotiate, and he did it well. The forwards played good and bad by turns, and looked more on the result as an easy thing. One would have liked had they kept up their combination all through and scored as many more goals, which they could have done, we are sure, on play. The gate amounted to a little over £80, stands included.

Source: The Aberdeen Free Press, Monday 21st September 1903

These teams met at Pittodrie, in the second round of the Qualifying Cup. As this was the first occasion on which these two reams had met, great interest was evinced in the contest, and the gate was a large one, the drawings amounting to £70. The teams lined up as follows:? Aberdeen: Barrett; Willox and Macgregor; Sangster, Strang. and Low; Skinner, Mackie, Mackay Macaulay, and Johnstone. Bon-Accord: McHattie; Craig and Gauld; Patterson. Bell, and Robertson; Knowles, Duncan, Laurie, Ferrier and Ritchie. Referee. Mr. J. Nisbet, Edinburgh.

Bon-Accord were the first to take up the aggressive, and, breaking away on the left wing. forced a corner. Macgregor, however, saved, and Aberdeen took the game in hand. Play raged in midfield for some time, Aberdeen having rather the best of matters. Charles Mackie soon after opened the scoring, and followed by again netting the ball. Aberdeen continued to press, but no further scoring took place before half-time, when they led by 2 goals to 0.

On resuming play, Bon-Accord early took up the running, and got dangerously near the Aberdeen goal, but Barrett was on the alert, and he fisted out several times well-directed shots. Aberdeen again however, forced matters, and added three goals, while Bon-Accord succeeded in scoring. Lawrie heading the leather into the net.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 21st September 1903