Aberdeen 2 - 3 Brechin Harp

There was a very good crowd at Pittodrie on Saturday, when the Aberdeen A team had a friendly game with Brechin Harp. The visitors lost the toss, and kicked off towards the city against a strong wind. From the start the A's took the game in hand, and were soon hovering around Esplin, who, however, dealt smartly with any shots which came his way. The good shots, to put it mildly were few and far between, and, except from a scrimmage or two, the visitors' custodian seldom handled. Only once did Clark, the home keeper, exert himself to save his lines, and the try was not of the dangerous order. It is impossible to give a description of the first half, as the game was really a display of bad shooting and goal kicks, with a corner thrown in to relieve the awful monotony. Shortly before the interval Menzies actually found the net from close quarters, and at breathing time the homesters had a one goal lead. On resuming the reserves showed a dash which was quite refreshing, but this only proved to be a spasm and nothing more. The visitors began to assert themselves, but like the home lot they failed to allow for the wind properly, and good chances were lost. A penalty was awarded the ground team for Sangster being tripped within the dreaded line. Hannah took the kick, and banged the sphere against Esplin, thereby losing a grand and glorious chance. A break away by the Harp led to Ritchie beating Clark with a shot which found the net by the aid of a sudden gust of wind. The homesters now wakened up, and Sangster headed a lovely goal from a pass by Shiach, and thereby gave his side the lead. Following close on this, however, the Harp front rank got off and scored two goals in as many minutes - the result of weak back play - so that the game ended - Brechin Harp 3, Aberdeen A 2.

Points from Pittodrie.

It is some time since we have watched such a tame display of football.
Personally we have no wish to see another of the same for some considerable time.
No doubt the wind spoilt the game a good deal, but not enough to spoil the game to such a degree as some would have us believe.
Clark, in goal, ought certainly to have saved one goal, but it would be very unfair to blame him for the defeat. He has grand height, and would come yet with experience.
If somebody has to be blamed for the defeat, then let I backs take the burden of it. Both men seemed to think it was a pic-nic or some such affair they were taking part in by their style of play on Saturday. Their kicking against the wind was very poor.
The three halves - Willox, Thomson, and Murphy were the redeeming men on their side, and played splendidly. There is a big difference in the accuracy of Thomson's shot compared with Murphy's.
After some hesitation we give Shiach the honour (?) of being the best man in a forward rank which baffles description.
No one should know better than Sangster himself that he is not a centre. There was no harm in giving him a trial in that position and we think the directors should go on and persevere until they get the right man.
Gray is not a spent force yet, and showed some of his trickiness.
The right wing was a complete failure and there is no getting over the fact.
Esplin showed up well between the posts for the visitors.
Both backs played well, but Bruce was the better man of the two, while his kicking, especially against the wind, was very good.
All three men in the half line played a hard and effective game. Herschell, in centre, leading the way.
Ritchie, at inside right, was the scorer of the team, and had, we think, all three goals. Well taken ones they were.
Pender, at outside left, showed rare speed, and with a little more dash would make a splendid outside flier. He is a little too timid.
Mr. McLeod, who refereed the game, had some very queer decisions all of his own, but was quite fair.

Source: Bon-Accord April 14, 1904