Aberdeen 3 - 1 Celtic

A game on behalf of charity was played at Pittodrie on Saturday before a small attendance. A stiffly contested game ended - Aberdeen, three goals, Celtic, nothing.

Source: The Scotsman, 3rd May 1909

The match in aid of charity was played at Pittodrie, Aberdeen, on Saturday afternoon between Aberdeen and Celtic, league champions. The boisterous, cold weather which prevailed had a detrimental effect on the attendance. The would have been about 800 spectators present when the game commenced. The teams, which were as follows, were much under their usual strength:-

Aberdeen: King; Colman, Hume; Davidson, Simpson, Macfarlane; McEchern, Towns, Wilson, H. Murray, C. Nelson.
Celtic: Adams; McNair, Weir; glover, Dodds, Mitchell; Munro, Young, Mclean, Johnson, Hamilton.
Referee - Mister R. Edwards, Aberdeen.

Aberdeen won the toss, and played with a strong wind in their favour. The gave the Celts some anxiety, and Adams saved a hot shot from Wilson, who shortly after sent high over. From the goal kick Celtic made progress, but they could not get within shooting distance of King. The highly wind spoilt the game to a great extent. After a spell of give and take play in midfield, Celtic attack for some time, but the local defence was sound. Neither of the teams took things seriously, and in consequence play was very uninteresting. After 20 minutes' play Murray scored for Aberdeen with a shot taken at long range. Adams failed to hold the ball. Aberdeen continued to attack, and forced two corners, which proved fruitless. Adams saved twice, after which a penalty was given against the visitors. Hume scored from the advantage, Adams making no effort to save. Celtic played much better towards the end of the period, but were unable to Pierce the home defence.

Although playing against the wind in the second half, Aberdeen had equally as much of the game as the Celts, although it has to be said that the visitors made no special endeavours to get on equal terms. Apart from several bright runs, the Celts were confined to their own territory. On one or two occasions Aberdeen were very near scoring, but Adams was unbeatable. The goalkeeper had numerous shots to deal with, but he disposed of them all in a masterly manner. Celtic pressed to wards the close, and a shot from far out by Mclean landed in the net. A minute later, Hume scored from a penalty, Adams again not troubling to save.

Kate estimated at £60.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 3rd May 1909

The Celts' Visit.

The weather on Saturday was so bitterly cold that many who would have bestowed their patronage on the Celts' charity match had to stay away for that reason. The attendance, in view of the weather, was fairly good, and there will be a surplus left in the coffers for the good cause it was intended for. On account of the stiff game on Friday and the late travelling to Aberdeen, Celts had to put on a good many reserve men, such stalwarts as McMenemy, Quinn, Somers, and Young taking a much-needed rest. Aberdeen, on account of the want of signatures in their first team, were in the same position as the Celts and had to resort to all their reserve talent signed on.
The weather completely Spoiled the attendance, and also the play, which was very ragged, and void of description. Murray scored a beauty about twenty minutes after the start, the ball completely deceiving Adams. Then the referee thought that an infringement inside the penalty area was committed, and gave the extreme penalty, which the Celts players resented, and Adams took up a sentry position at the posts till Hume rolled the ball through. Leading by 2-0, Aberdeen were lively during the second period, and, the wind aiding the Celts, the home defence had plenty of work. Maclean got past King with a beauty, but the scoring was not done. A successful appeal for another penalty was granted and Hume made a hotter job of the second point, as he had to beat Adams on the spot. This ended the scoring. Aberdeen winning by 3-1 a game that could never be described as anything but a second-rate display.

For Charity's Sake.

As the proceeds of the Celtic game, after deducting expenses, will go to help the Charity Committee's balance, it was well that this was so. Harp went to Peterhead on Saturday to play off the first tie in the Fleming Charity Shield, but, owing to the weather, the pitch was declared unplayable. On Monday at Pittodrie, Buckle Thistle failed to prove an attractive draw, or the weather kept many back, for the attendance was disappointing. The result was never much in doubt. Aberdeen. playing in confident style all through, won by 5 goals to 2. It is intended to play the postponed Harp v. Peterhead game at Pittodrie tomorrow night, so that the final may take place on Saturday.

Chatty Bits.

The Aberdeen management will feel they have not such a bad set of reserves when they can beat a similar set from the Celts.
There were anxious and worried faces in the Aberdeen stand on Saturday till the game was over. Then there was a relaxing smile, which flitted over the officials when they saw how their reserves had done.
They have every hope that even suppose all their players go who are not yet signed, they will be able to fix up as good as those who have gone.
There is a good bit of risk in this, but we suppose it must be done.
On Monday we noticed that Aberdeen had to again fall back on an old Pittodrie favourite in Willie Jaffray, who has been with Brentford last season.
The "little 'un" has improved since we last saw him. He has still the same turn of speed, but squares more accurately.
Rumours are going that the Aberdeen manager has been south, and returned for instructions as to the signing-on of several class men.
We could be doing with some class forwards of the go-ahead style, and hope to see something real dashy this season.

Aberdeen's Latest.

With the exception of Lennie, Aberdeen have secured all the forwards they require, or pretty nearly so. O'Hagan has now signed for his first Scotch love, and this week Mr Philip was successful in securing the signature of a centre- forward from Newcastle United. This last, whose name is Soye, has been a year in the reserve team and gave every satisfaction, and only his conditions that he had to get a place in the first team kept him from re-engagement. Further captures may be expected in the course of a few days.

Source: Bon-Accord, 6th May 1909