Aberdeen 1 - 2 Third Lanark

The team of the year - Third Lanark - were the visitors to Pittodrie on Saturday, when a friendly game with the Aberdeen was played. Both teams had changes from their usual eleven. The visitors kicked off towards the city and it was not long ere they were in the vicinity of Barrett, who, however, was on the alert. In the opening minutes the backs and halves of the Whites were distinctly fluky, and for a time there was a succession of miskicks. Gradually, however, they got into stride, and a visit to Whitehouse was the result. Johnstone had a grand chance to score, but that player shot into the wrong side of the net this brought relief to the Thirds, but only for a short time, as the homesters broke away and a corner was forced. Unfortunately, the corner was muddled and a good chance was lost. The south team now settled down, and treated the spectators to a fine exhibition of the close passing game, and also of their understanding between each other. It was no surprise, therefore, when that veteran, John Campbell, opened the scoring by slipping the sphere past Barrett into the corner of the net. This helped to brighten up matters, and the homesters had a try for the equaliser. Strang first tested Whitehouse with a fast grounder from far out, but as the custodian had plenty of time to clear, this did nott tax his energies to any great extent. C. Mackie was the next trier, and from it the Third's goal almost fell. Whitehouse only partially saved, and McAulay, standing under the bar, disappointed everybody by lifting the ball over the bar. Some spectators asserted the ball was really over the line, but, personally, we thought as the referee did. Not long after, and before the interval, McKay hurt his knee, and when the whistle sounded half-time, the southerners still held their one goal lead. On resuming Barron took up McKay's place, and opened his career by taking the heels from one of the visiting halfs. The Third Lanark made an effort to increase their score and Barrett alone held out. Time and again he saved low and high shots, which came chiefly from the feet of Wilson and Campbell, who were always having a try for goal. On one occasion he saved, with two men on the top of him, just at the critical time, and when all seemed lost. The Whites broke away on the right through Freeland, and from a splendid centre McAulay headed into the net and thus equalised matters. The struggle for the lead now commenced and play was very fast, the ball travelling from one end of, the field to .the other without a break. Just when everyone had made up their minds that the game would be a draw, McGregor brought down Campbell within the penalty line, Sloan took the kick, and gave Barrett not even a look at the ball as it travelled on its way to the desired haven. The Whites mad a valiant effort to again equalise matters, but all to no purpose, and the game ended in a win for the visitors by 2-1.

Points from Pittodrie

The weather was all that could be desired, and not one bit anything to complain about on that score. This, combined with the good football fare put forward was the means of the £130 gate being an accomplished fact.
May this good financial support continue.
We would have preferred to see the Third Lanark on Cup-Tie business rather than a friendly.
At time of the season the Glasgow clubs have to keep themselves in trim, and cannot afford to risk much on a paltry friendly.
This explanation will, perhaps, suffice to assure, the spectators, who thought the visitors were playing their hardest that this was not the case.
There is no denying that the homesters played a hard game, and a good one. We congratulate them on their display.
To the players themselves, a few tips must have been the outcome of this game.
The visitors played a scientific and cool game, while the homesters rushed about here, there, and everywhere, and used about twice the amount of exertion.
Whitehouse and his backs did not get much to do until the latter end of the second period, when they showed a tough defensive game during the heavy pressure.
Neilson was the best of a good going half line. At centre half Kennedy, a junior on trial, showed a fine conception of the game and should come yet.
Sloan had the worst wing to negotiate, and did well under the circumstances. His penalty was a beauty.
Campbell was the shining light in the Third's front rank, and has evidently lost none of his cuteness. He looks fit for more than one other season.
McKenzie and Wilson, inside left, were the only other ones in the forward line to show good play. The latter, despite his years, is still speedy and clever while on the ball.
The outside men did practically nil.
Johnston seemed lazy, while Barc1ay, a junior was too anxious to do himself justice.
A notable feature in the visitors' play was the almost entire absence of rough or foul play.
Would those concerned in the home team please note this fact, and emulate the example set them.
Barrett gave his best display of the season. He deserves a par to himself after, giving such a fine exhibition.
J. Mackie also played well, and was easily the better back.
We should have liked to have seen McNicoll in his usual place as McGregor was very shaky. The halves played a really fine, hard and telling game. They were ahead of the opposition trio in everything but placing. In this they were sadly deficient. If this would be remedied, then Aberdeen's defence against attack would be greatly strengthened.
The forwards, with the exception of the left wing, did not show anything brilliant. McAulay was the pick.
Freeland showed good form, and is worthy of further trials.
We think that the committee would do well to give McKay a prolonged rest, as no one can expect good work from a man with an injured knee. That he has good football in him no one will deny, and his real worth cannot be shown until he is physically fit.
The crowd was a big one, and a critical one, and aimed especially towards the referee.
Personally, we don't see how they were justified in hooting and howling at Mr. Arthur Watt, as to our mind, he was quite correct and fair in his decisions. There is, however, a great deal of prejudice shown to any visiting team from Glasgow, and, perhaps, this has something to do with their childish and unfair action.

Source: Bon-Accord, January 14, 1904

This friendly fixture was played at Pittodrie on Saturday. There was a very large attendance of spectators, the drawings amounting to the large total of £130. The teams lined up as follows:- Aberdeen: Barratt; Mackie, Macgregor; Sangster, Strang, Low; Freeland, McKay, McAulay, Johnston. Third Lanark: Whitehouse; Barr, Mackintosh; Sloan, Kennedy, Neilson; Johnston, Campbell, Mackenzie, Wilson, Barclay. Referee - Mr. Arthur Watt, Aberdeen.

In the opening stages the visitors, with little effort, kept Aberdeen on the defensive. The match was of a tame character, and neither team seemed to be in the best of form. After a spell of give-and-take play, Campbell scored an easy goal. Aberdeen immediately retaliated, and had hard lines in not equalising, the leather striking the post.

The game had only been resumed a few minutes when McAulay scored for Aberdeen. From this point the play improved, the locals displaying a little more confidence than in the early stages of the game. At goal Barratt gave a splendid account of himself, and Johnston's shooting was very accurate. Not long before the whistle sounded Sloan scored from a penalty off Macgregor.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 11th January 1904