Dundee 'A' 1 - 1 Aberdeen

With an enthusiastic following of some 600 supporters, Aberdeen journeyed to Dundee, in a sense like the famous "warrior bold in search of gold," the difference being that we must substitute "points" in place of filthy lucre. In truth, they were "warriors bold," for they had indeed doughty opponents to meet. The "following" was well aware of the fact too, and many were the opinions ventured as to what the outcome of the match would be. The majority of the "Specialists" consisted of those whose sole idea of club support. Seemed to be centred in the wearing, of a huge white ribbon, in shouting themselves hoarse, and in yelling "Come awa', Aiberdeen," at all times and in all places. In is to be deplored that "rabids" such as these are allowed to travel, for by their conduct they tend to bring the city of Aberdeen into disrepute. Of the others who travelled, I am glad to say they consisted of those who like to see a good game of football and who appreciate the game, but without all the outward display, and the wagging tongue which typifies the general nuisance. A goodly crowd assembled to witness the game. A rousing cheer greeted the Whites as they trooped out headed by McAulay. Dundee A, on entering the arena, appeared to me be a particularly tough lot. Mr. Philip, Dunfermline, was have refereed the match, but his place was taken by a Cowdenbeath man, who certainly did not favour the Aberdeen. Aberdeen, as usual at the outset, completely mystify their opponents and are banging for goal in no time. Dundee A however set down, and we now witness a game far above Northern League standard. Both teams are playing a scientific game, which is appreciated by the spectators. Dundee A now assume the superiority, and from a corner, conceded by McNicol, the ball is headed into the net. Nothing daunted, Aberdeen peg away and some beautiful work terminates by McAulay beating Shand. The game is now level and new spirit is infused into players and spectators alike. Johnston and McAulay are tricky on the left, and give most trouble to the opposing defence. At half time the score was 1-1. On resuming Aberdeen commenced pressing, and several times looked liked scoring. The halves worked like Trojans and fed their forwards very well. They checked any rush on the Dundee's part with ease, and on them really lay the brunt of the day's work. Had the forwards acted with more cohesion then the victory, without a doubt, lay with Aberdeen. But the attack was weakened on the right, as both Owen and Wishart were injured during the game. Although Aberdeen have nearly all the say in the second half, yet Dundee, when they do get off are extremely dangerous, and McNicol and Mackie have to keep their wits about them. McNicol is indeed a splendid back, and you can always rely on him to relieve. Mackie was shaky and Sangster had frequently to relieve him. Aberdeen were very hardly dealt with on the off-side rule, which spoiled several chances. With the slightest grain of luck Aberdeen should have won, but as I have said all along, Aberdeen is an unlucky team. The result, however, is gratifying, seeing that the match was played from home.

Pickings from Dens.

McNicol was easily the best man on the field. His huge punts delight the Dundonians.
Both Dundee backs were good, Chaplin being slightly the better.
Their new half, Scougall, is evidently a capture. He easily accounted for Charlie Mackie, and for this reason we did not witness one of Charlie's solo runs at Dens Park.
The Dundee forwards were always dangerous, and Sangster had his hands full in the left wing pair. "Jock" was at a loss to understand why Fairley was constantly backheeling him, but all this harassing finished when "Jock" laid out Brand, the bigger of the two left wingers.
Fairley should have been sent to the Pavilion. Such was the verdict of all Dundonians near us.
Mackie, at back, gave the worst performance I have seen him give since he has taken up this position.
Strang, as usual, worked very hard, but he seemed fairly done up in the second half.
Ritchie gave a surprisingly good display. To my mind, this was his best game of the season.
Sangster and his legs were everywhere, doing wonders in unexpected times and places. He is indeed a very consistent half.
Of the forwards McAulay was the pick. He does things very neatly, but he feeds his wing man too much. He should send some of his passes centrewards.
Johnstone, on the left was not much in evidence the first half, but during the second half he brightened up considerably.
C. Mackie was practically out of it. Wishart battled away to some tune but did nothing startling.
Owen was injured early, otherwise we might have had a better display from him.
In goal, Barrett was very safe, and did his saving in a very creditable manner.
M.

On Saturday the Third Lanark visit Pittodrie. The Third Lanark officials wish to see if we can draw a crowd in Aberdeen. When application for admission to the Scottish League is next made Third Lanark might be able to for instead of against Aberdeen.

Northern League Notes.

We should have preferred that more fixtures had been played on Saturday, but four is better than none.
Of course you were at Dundee on Saturday.
If you were not, you will find a full, true, and particular account of all that happened there on the opposite page.
And in connection with this game we owe the Aberdeen an apology. We never imagined they would have done so well.
And what do you think of the Montrose's victory over the Cowdenbeath on New Year's Day? They are firmly fixed at the top again, but for how long we would not just venture to say. Bets are being freely made, and as freely taken, that they will not be there at the finish. Whatever view you may take, you cannot get away from the fact that their record is a grand one.
The Aberdeen are slowly, but surely, creeping up the ladder and though their pace may be of the tortoise order, they are none the less getting up among the leaders.
Had they done as well a couple of months ago as they are doing now, they would perhaps have been leaders. And their fame is spreading. Fancy the Dundee people parting with about £80 to see an Aberdeen club play.

Source: Bon-Accord, January 7, 1904

These teams met at Dens Park, Dundee, in a Northern League engagement. Teams:- Dundee A: Shand; Chaplin, A. Taylor; H. Taylor, Scougall, Morris; Dougall, Messer, Dickson, Brand, Fairley. Aberdeen: Barrett; J. Mackie, McNicol; Sangster, Strang, Ritchie; Owen, Wishart, c. Mackie, McAulay, Johnston. Referee - Mr. Canavan, Cowdenbeath.

Aberdeen at once attacked, and the home defence had to look lively to clear the spirited onslaught. The visiting forwards played in fine unison. The Whites were gradually driven back, however, and at the east end Fairley tested Barrett with a grounder. By fine combination the strangers again got west. Owen had, unfortunately, to retire for a few minutes through an injury to his toe. During his absence Aberdeen pressed in a most persistent manner, and D. Mackie [sic.] missed by inches. The game was very interesting. The teams were working hard for the first point. Aberdeen so far were playing the better game, and Chapman and A. Taylor had quite enough to do to keep the outside men in hand. Dundee played up pluckily against their opponents. A corner was awarded to the blues from which Brand scored, heading the ball past the goalkeeper. The Dundee latterly improved, but McNicol and J. Mackie took them well in hand, and Barrett was not overburdened with work. The homesters were driven back without augmenting their score, and an exciting struggle ensued at the west end. The backs, however, kept cool. Aberdeen pegged away finely and from a fine pass from the right McAulay equalised with a header. Just on the call of time Dougall missed a grand chance of increasing the A team's score. Fairley, after tricking the opposing defence, crossed right in front of the goal. The outside right shot tamely. Barrett saved, but had to concede a corner, which, however, proved fruitless.

Aberdeen resumed in dashing style, and for a time it seemed as if the home defence were to be outwitted, but the defence hung tenaciously to the attacking force. The Whites were ultimately driven back, and the ground forwards forced their way well up, but Brand lost a glorious opportunity by hooking over. The Granite City team were soon back again at the east end, where a determined struggle was witnessed. Dundee paid several incursions to their opponents' territory, and Fairley caused Barrett to handle. Aberdeen made strenuous efforts to obtain the winning point, and on play they certainly deserved it. Shand's charge ran a lucky escape, a terrific shot from McAulay striking the upright and going behind. Dundee retained the upper hand, but score they could not. About ten minutes from the close the Aberdeen centre tested Shand with a raker from far out, but the custodian stopped it brilliantly.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 4th January 1904

N.B. Of the reported 600 Aberdeen supporters present it was further reported that over 500 of them travelled by special train.