The Airdrieonians were the visitors to Pittodrie on Saturday, when a friendly game with the Whites was played. A very cold and strong wind blew right across the field, making good play impossible and the spectators miserable. The homesters, losing the toss, kicked off towards the sea, and from the opening passages scored the first goal of the match. Robertson, the new man, was the scorer, but otherwise the credit is due McAulay, who took the ball right up the field with a brilliant dribble, and gave the inside right the chance to shoot. The visitors had one or two good tries for goal, and for a considerable time, most of the game, but Barrett was always ready, and kept out the dangerous tries. The Whites also broke away, but Duncan was seldom tested, although on one occasion McAulay did give him a hot one, which the custodian saved brilliantly. Nearing half time, the 'Onians equalised matters - Fox doing the needful with a fast shot which gave Barrett no chance to save. Half-time arrived with the game standing even. On resuming, the visitors showed a certain amount of dash which was surprising against such wind, but their finish was poor. Barrett was beaten on one occasion and a goal scored, which, however, was disallowed for offside. A little later the custodian was again beaten by a nice shot from Tennant, but fortunately for the homesters the wind carried the ball on the post and into play again. At the other end Duncan had little to do. Both Skinner and Johnston had splendid chances to score, but the former by reckless shooting and the latter by needless attempts to "sand dance" spoiled those openings. As there was no further scoring, the game ended Aberdeen, 1, Airdrieonians 1.
Owing to the cold weather, and no doubt to the previous Saturday's defeat, the gate was not a huge one - £65 being drawn. The game was a poor one from start to finish, both wind and players being to blame for this.
Duncan acquitted himself well in the Airdrie goal. His save from McAulay was a smart piece of work.
Rombach was the best back on the field, and gave a fine display or strong kicking. His partner, Duncan, also played well. O'Rourke was the best of a good half-line, and is a player who can use his weight to some purpose.
The front rank were a go-ahead lot, but did not manage to negotiate the tricky wind. Tennant was the pick, and sent in some grand shots. Barret was in grand form in the home goal, and saved smartly when called upon. Both backs played well, one being as good as the other, taking all in all. Low was easily the best half on the home side, and that by a long chalk.
Strang was useless, while Anderson was seldom in the game. He has some good points, and would need another test before signing on is thought of. The same remarks apply to Robertson, who scored the only goal for the Whites. We do hope that he won't be signed on because of this fact, as it was a very easy chance which he got.
McAulay was the pick of a poor quintette. Johnstone persisted in "diddling" with the ball to his team's disadvantage, while Shinner's shooting was far from the desired haven. Mackie in centre was almost lost beside the opposing centre half.
We were not exactly taken with the refereeing of Mr. Thomson. He gave and or two rather funny decisions.
Source: Bon-Accord May 12, 1904