Aberdeen 4 - 1 Arbroath Amateurs

The return Northern League fixture between Aberdeen A and the Amateurs was played at Aberdeen in fine weather, and before a good turnout of spectators. The Amateurs fortunately were able to field one of their best sides, and had the assistance, for the first time since the Dundee match, of Dobson.

Hunters won the toss and took advantage of a slight breeze, but Aberdeen were the first to fine their feet, and made headway for Johnston. Smith came to the rescue with a nice clearance, which enabled the Amateurs' front rank to press, and a free kick taken by Dobson just outside the penalty area only missed its mark by inches. It was now Aberdeen's turn to press, and a fine shot from Green was nicely turned over the bar by Johnston. The corner was cleared, an away rushed the Amateurs. This time the Aberdeen goal had a miraculous escape from downfall. A high shot was sent in, which the goalkeeper held all right, but Ritchie rushing in from the right robbed him of it, and touched it nicely into goal. His effort was just too fine, as the ball struck the post, and after an exciting scrimmage was eventually cleared.
Aberdeen had more of the play after this, and the wide ground bothered the Amateurs not a little. Aberdeen were the first to score through Brown, who headed in, with Johnston on the ground. Petrie making an attempt to save by methods only allowed two goalkeepers. The Amateurs' spurred up after this, and were rather unfortunate in not equalising. Another attack by Aberdeen brought another goal, this one being rather of the soft order. Half-time arrived without further scoring.

The Amateurs' started the second half with great dash, but good defence kept them out. They were not to be denied, however, and Richardson and Ritchie on their respective wings put in some telling work. A further reverse was in store for the Amateurs when, from a corner, Brewster headed a magnificent goal. From the kick-off Nairn got away and with a clever shot reduced the leeway. This put some life into the game, and Thomson provided one of the finest tit-bits of the match, when he gained possession of the ball a little over the half way line, and working well down, let fly from about 20 yards out with a magnificent shot, which struck the corner of the cross bar and rebounded past. A few inches lower and the goal was certain. And dash away by Aberdeen provided a surprise goal. A shot was sent in which Johnston tipped on the underside of the crossbar from which the ball rebounded into play. The referee, however, to the surprise of players and spectators are like decreed a goal. This finished the scoring of an exceptionally good and clean game.

Johnston saved well in the second half, and Petrie and Smith proved stubby backs. The half back line were a little antsy on the wide pitch, but nevertheless they put in a hard afternoon's work. All the forwards played with great dash, their only handicap being lack of height when opposed to a man like Brewster.

Source: Arbroath Herald and Advertiser, 6th March 1914