Aberdeen 1 - 1 Montrose

The Aberdeen reserve team concluded their Northern league program for the season by playing Montrose at Pittodrie, Aberdeen, last night. There was a good attendance when the teams lined up as follows:-Aberdeen A: Herd; Liddell, Brebner; Mackie, Thompson, Robertson; Knowles, Cruikshank, Hamilton, Caie, Jaffrey. Montrose: Moir; Lockhart, Craig; Gowans, Coull, Robertson; Esson, McNiff, Duncan, Mclaughlan, Fairley. Mister J. Clark, Aberdeen, was referee.

Montrose kicked off, and in the first 5 minutes Duncan tested Herd with a fast grounder. The attack of the visitors, however, was only momentary. A fine combined run by the Aberdeen forwards to the other end resulted in a sustained attack on the Gable Endies' defence. The Montrose forwards were very smart on the ball, and had several good runs, but failed to pierce their opponents' defence. "Gowie" Robertson initiated a good run, but offside spoiled the effort. The A's intermediate line played robustly, and the Montrose forwards found Thompson and Co. hard to negotiate. The visitors' half-back line was also very keen, Gowans being the trickiest player on the field. After 15 minutes', Moir saved splendidly with practically the whole of the Aberdeen forwards in front of him. Play was of an interesting nature, but the Aberdeen were undoubtedly the more dangerous lot at close quarters. McLaughlan and Fairley formed the best wing for the visitors, their well-combined runs being greatly admired. Aberdeen was awarded a free kick well in, but the Montrose defence again prevailed. Keeping up the attack, the A's were awarded a free kick within the penalty line, and on this location the situation was again saved by Moir. The visitors did not improve their chances by fouling indiscriminately. Duncan on one occasion beat the Aberdeen defence, but the Montrose centre forward failed to find the net, sending the ball high over the cross-bar. Shortly afterwards Jaffrey scored the first goal for Aberdeen. Knowles, after a capital run of nearly three quarters of the field, passed the ball to the left, and Jaffrey rushed it in, giving Moir no chance to save. Montrose after this reverse played very fast, with their best efforts were in vain.

On resuming, Montrose took the field with a rearranged front rank, and opened sensationally, Duncan scoring in the first minute. Aberdeen then took up the attack, and Hamilton was almost through when he was brought down by Lockhart. Aberdeen monopolised most of the play, all the forwards having splendid tries at goal, but were unlucky in not scoring. Gowans, who was playing a delightful game, tested Herd with several swift grounders. Caie, after dribbling through several opponents, sent in a capital shot which Moir had great difficulty in getting away. Aberdeen then bombarded the visitors' goal, but could not find the net. Play was very fast and exciting, both goals undergoing very narrow escapes. Aberdeen was granted a penalty kick for Craig handling within the dreaded line. Robertson, who took the kick, made a poor attempt at scoring, sending the ball yards wide. Mackie was next prominent for the manner in which he ploughed his way through the Montrose defence. The home players had many opportunities of securing the leading point, but they failed to follow up their advantages. The A's were granted many free kicks well in, but try as they might they could not score. A very fast and exciting game ended in a draw of one goal each. The gate money amounted to about £20.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 13th May 1905