Victoria United 2 - 1 The Aberdeen

Quite a holiday crowd turned out at Torry and were treated to an exhibition far ahead of anything we have seen on a New Year's Day. Both teams had considerable alterations in the elevens representing them. Craig and Ritchie played at half instead of Dundas and McKenzie for the Vics. Charlie Mackie partnered John Davidson at back, and Livingston and Cadger were introduced into the Whites' front line. Aberdeen started well, but did not long hold the advantage. Vics, who seemed to be in good fettle, put in some fine combined work. R. Ritchie put the Blues one up. A grand piece of work let Aberdeen equalise. A foul was given against the Whites. The ball, on being kicked, struck the referee, and rebounded to Clark's feet, who made off with it. On being tackled Clark passed to Livingston, who returned it, and Clark banged the ball through. Breathing time arrived with the score level. The second half opened very even, both sides having about equal share of the game. McPherson gave his side the lead with a good shot. Aberdeen were awarded two penalties, but Findlay saved finely on both occasions. No further scoring took place, and a most interesting game finished Vics 2, Aberdeen 1.

Source: Bon-Accord, 6th January 1898

Short Kicks.

Thanks; the same to all of you, and many of them.
The Aberdeen v Vics match on New-Year's Day looks like growing into a hardy annual. A large crowd was present, and the players were in wonderfully good condition, everything considered. Mr. Thomson (Orion) gave complete satisfaction with the whistle.
After Findlay's exhibitions of late it will take a good man to oust him from the Vics' goal. McIlvenny, we are pleased to see, improves with every game. The missing link seem to have been found at last.
All over the Vics played a fine game: Allan and McNeil are a powerful pair of backs, and the halves are workers for the ninety minutes. On the Aberdeen side we could hardly say who was the outstanding man; all were good. Charlie Mackie, the Whites' general utility man, played back as if he had never been anywhere else, and with John Davidson and Ritchie proved a stubborn defence. At half also the Aberdeen were well served. Forward we have seen them more effective. Charlie Mackie was much wanted at centre to put more life into the play.
On Sunday evening we paid Vale of Athole a visit in the Waverley. They were going on to Peterhead on Monday.
We sang a few hymns from the only hymn book that the hotel could supply and we disposed of a few lemonades, &c, principally the etceteras. There was the presentation of a lovely timepiece to one of the players, and we argued on the penalty rules, and had a few more etceteras. Then some parables were told that never saw the New Testament.
Shortly after this we hied ourselves homewards, having passed a very pleasant evening. To know the Vale is to like them.
Will Orion beat the Wanderers IS the question at present. We have every faith in the Cattofield eleven coming out top, even although the game has to be decided at Dundee.
Orion's team will be selected to-night (Thursday).
It was through the test matches Notts County were readmitted into the First Division of the League. Penalty kicks have been in force since the season l891-2.
They have football nights in London theatres. Why not in Aberdeen?

Source: Bon-Accord, 6th January 1898

A friendly match between these teams took place at Victoria Bridge Grounds. There was a fairly large turnout of spectator, and the weather conditions were excellent. The teams were: United: Findlay; Allan, McNeil; Craig, Moffat, J. Ritchie; McPherson, Burnett, McIlvenny, Henderson, R. Ritchie. Aberdeen: Ritchie; John Davidson, Charles Mackie; Thomson, Joseph Davidson, James Mackie; Livingstone, Gray, Cadger, Clark, Shiach. The Aberdeen commenced in fine style, but the United had the better combination, and at length R. Ritchie, off a return, scored an easy goal. A splendid piece of play was that performed by Clark, who, getting on the ball well up the field, dribbled it through the opposing halfs and backs, and, with a running shot, squared the score. At half-time the score was unchanged. In the second half the play to begin with was fairly equal and mostly in mid-field. The United scored a second goal through a fine shot from McPherson. Shortly before the close Aberdeen obtained two penalty kicks, but Findlay saved on each occasion. The result remained United 2, Aberdeen 1.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 3rd January 1898