Aberdeen 1 - 1 Lochgelly United

Aberdeen A met Lochgelly United on Saturday afternoon at Pittodrie in a Northern League fixture. The weather was fine, although a slight breeze was blowing from the north-west. There were fully 1000 spectators present when the teams lined up as follows under the charge of Mr. McArthur, Stirling:-
Aberdeen A: Lickley; Urquhart, Willox; Davidson, J. J. Simpson, Gowie Robertson; J. Robertson, Lawrie, McKinlay, C. Brown, Brebner.
Lochgelly United: W. Bain; D. Bain, Splitt; Adamson, Borthwick, Christie; McCartney, Paterson, Grant, Devine, Scott.

The locals losing the toss, played towards the west goal. They had the sun and the breeze in their faces, but, in spite of this, they were soon in touch with Bain, who had to handle a shot from McKinley. Lochgelly now had a look in. Their right wingers securing the ball, brought it right down almost to the corner flag post.McCartney crossed right in front of goal. The visitors' centre, however, was not up in time, and Willox passed to J. J. Simpson, who sent the ball well up the field. The Aberdeen forwards appeared to be uneasy, and their passes, as a rule, were picked up by the opposing half-backs. Lochgelly's right wing was again in evidence, and from their direction the ball was sent across. Urquhart appeared to be excited, and in his anxiety he missed his kick, with the result that Devine, who got the ball, sent it into the net with great force. After this reverse the locals played with much more dash, and, headed by McKinley, the forward van made rapid progress towards Bain. The goalkeeper saved several shots, and the defence proved equal to all demands made upon it, the ball soon being got away. J. J. Simpson, the locals' centre-half, was playing a capital game. His passes, as a rule, were well timed, and as a result of his feeding the forwards were kept continually moving. James Robertson, on the right, in making off, left several opponents behind. He finished up with a capital shot, which fell into the custodian's hands. Bain failed to hold it, and the ball rolled slowly from the goal; but as McKinley was about to place it in the net, he was robbed of the ball by D. Bain. The visiting halves distributed play in fine fashion. Their defence also was very safe, and prevented disaster time and again. Aberdeen tried hard to get on equal terms, but their attacks were always beaten back. Lickley, in goal, gave an exceedingly good display, and with a little more experience of senior football would be fit to take his place in any team. Lochgelly pressed continually, and the local defence had an exciting time of it. Sam Willox, who was doing most of the defensive work, in his anxiety to clear his lines, brough down Grant within the penalty line. D. Bain took the kick, but instead of sending the ball into the net, as was expected, he sent it over the crossbar. Aberdeen now went at it with renewed vigour, but thanks ot the smart goalkeeping of Bain, the ball would not go in. Brebner on one occasion got the better of D. Bain, and although he had an open goal in front of him, he sent the ball past. Lochgelly were certainly the superior lot, their work being far in advance of the local men. Half-time was called with Aberdeen pressing hard.

The second half of the game had only been two minutes commenced when the visitors forced a corner. After an exciting and prolonged attack on the local goal, the ball was eventually got away by J. J. Simpson. This player was the outstanding half on the field. He appeared to be everywhere. If he was not keeping the forwards moving, he was assisting the backs when they were hard pressed. Aberdeen now that took the game in hand. The forwards showed splendid combination, but when near goal they failed to follow up their advantages. They forced a corner, and as a result of the free kick the ball was placed right in the midst of the players at the goalmouth. A most exciting three minutes followed. The ball over about the goalmouth, and it appeared that the defence was to prevail, until brown, who got the sphere, after dancing round three Lochgelly men, sent it into the net with great force. After this success Aberdeen took the game in hand, but goals they could not get. Lochgelly had a short look in, but Lickley was unbeatable. Close on time Aberdeen kept up a fierce attack on the visitors' citadel. Several corners were forced, but they proved fruitless. In the closing minutes of the game it appeared that the locals would secure the winning point. The forwards bombarded Bain, but the whistle blew when success was about to crown their efforts.

The gate amounted to £46.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 20th August 1906

Aberdeen A at Home.

There was very little of scientific football at Pittodrie, but plenty of the kick-and-rush choke full of excitement order. Between the eleven which represented Lochgelly United last year and those on Saturday there is no comparison. They were aggressors often, and made Lickley show all, the abilities he has in staving off disaster. While the visitors were sharp and nippy in their play, Aberdeen were lacking in method. Only the backs and goalkeeper seemed to understand each other. The halves were poor, and the forwards always got in each other?s way. We may be thankful that there was not a big score chalked up, for, till the finish, Aberdeen never seemed to play for a win. Of course, the absence of McKenzie or a suitable left-winger upset the team a bit, though Brebner showed some very fine touches for one who has not played a forward game for at least three years. We hope to see matters remedied by next Saturday, when they meet St. Johnstone.

Chatty Bits.

The rumour about Stead has turned out to be true, the directors coming to the decision last week very reluctantly.
From the form which Mutch gave at Edinburgh last week there is no great need to go far afield for a suitable custodian. Mutch may lack the experience of some, and the polish of others, but he knows how to stop the ball.
Boyle was in the best of trim on Saturday, being the best back on the field in our opinion. There was a decided improvement on his last season's play.
The repainting of the Pavilion at Pittodrie since last season is a decided improvement. The artist deserves credit for His work. Who is he?
There were a few of the "A" team on Saturday who seemed to be in want of training. We hope they are not being neglected.
Brebner was as good a forward as the "A" team had on Saturday, and he is regarded as a back.
We rather liked the new custodian. His display was really capital, and he deserves another trial or two.
Lickley?s saving gave every satisfaction to his junior friends, and the directors present were all delighted with his work.
It seems that an important cricket match kept M'Kenzie from turning up at Pittodrie on Saturday.
The manager informs us he expects the last lot of season tickets will be disposed of this week. Up to date there are only a few left, so those intending to purchase had better hurry up.

Source: Bon-Accord, 23rd August 1906