Arbroath 2 - 1 Aberdeen

It is said misfortunes never come singly, and the Aberdeen club for two weeks past can bear out the truth of this statement. The A, not to be in front of their supposed betters, fell before the Arbroath, which was nothing but what was expected. Had they won, we believe the blow would have killed half the shareholders of the company. Of course the A team had the best of the game - this goes without saying - the only thing lacking being the goals. But the A's, like the other team, do not play for points. They have taken it into their heads that they are an educative body, their only mission on earth being to educate such out of the way places as Arbroath, Stenhousemuir, and other places where there are Northern League and Second Division clubs. We wish them joy of their mission, but when they are about it, they might, by way of variety, drop us a hint when they intend winning a match. We should dearly like to see one of the teams play a winning game.

Source: Bon-Accord, September 1, 1904

It was rather a disappointing game between Arbroath and Aberdeen A at Gayfield, but of course, too much should not perhaps be looked for at the commencement of the season. Shiach and Johnston were a dangerous couple, and the defenders of the home citadel had to keep their eye continually on them, and Clark was not particularly happy he or his partner got to close quarters. It was only his due that Shiach should have the honour of scoring Aberdeen's only point. The fault of the Aberdonians lay in their inability to snap up chances at the goalmouth, and had they shown more alertness in this respect it would have gone hard with the maroons, for, although "Short" gave a capital exhibition between the sticks, he would have had no chance to save some of the shots had they been properly taken.

Ferguson was the better of the home backs, Clark being by no means confident of himself. The halves were not quite up to their last season?s standard, but a game or two should see them all right. Guild and Murray were undoubtedly the pick of the forwards. The latter's crossing was all that could be desired, and it was not his blame if his colleagues were seldom up to take advantage of their opportunity.

Barret was seldom if ever severely tested, so effective was the work of Willox and Brebner. The halves - Low, Thomson, and Robertson - also put in some good work in breaking up the attack, but their placing left much to be desired. As already stated, Shiach and Johnston were the shining lights in the front rank, although Ruddiman put in a good deal of quiet but effective work.

Source: Dundee Courier, 29th August 1904

Aberdeen A journeyed to Arbroath and met Arbroath at Gayfield in a Northern League fixture. Teams:- Arbroath: "Short"; Clark, Ferguson; Johnstone, Petrie, H. Brown; Black, Middleton, Dorward, Guild, B. Murray. Aberdeen A: Barrett; Willox, Brebner; Low, Thomson, Robertson; R. Ritchie, Cruickshank, Ruddiman, Shiach, Johnstone. Referee - Mr. Dundas, Dundee.

Arbroath won the toss, and the first 20 minutes witnessed end to end play. From a corner, one of the Aberdonians handled inside the line, and a penalty was awarded Arbroath, from which Clark converted. Half-time arrived with the score at 1 goal to nil in favour of Arbroath.

On resumption of play Aberdeen pressed hotly, and from a corner equalised. Play became extremely fast, and both custodians effected some grand saving. Aberdeen again scored, but the point was declared offside. Arbroath again scored.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 29th August 1904