Victoria United 0 - 0 Orion

At Torry the above clubs met to play their tie in the first round of the Scottish Cup competition. Messrs Aitchieson and Anderson were the linesmen. The weather was favourable to the game, and a large crowd assembled, testifying to the great interest taken in the event. The spin of the coin favoured the Victoria, and the Orion kicked off against a slight breeze.
Quickly getting on the ball the Victoria ran down to the Orion goal, but the defence was good and the pressure was relieved. Individual effort prevailed on both sides, and as a result, little of a dangerous nature came the way of either of the goalkeepers until Turner from the wing sent in a shot, which bounded off the Orion uprights into play. During almost the whole of the first half the Victoria pressed their opponents; who relieved their charge now and again by a visit to the other end. A foul against the Orion close in looked rosy for the Victoria, but the ball went sailing through the posts from the free kick with¬out being touched, and was resultless, and although the Victoria had obtained four corners they could not score. Half-time result: No goals.
After the usual interval the game was renewed, and the Orion supporters were in a happier vein, as their team had now the advantage of the wind. On several occasions the excitement in this period was very strong, the ball travelling rapidly from end to and, and both goals had narrow escapes. Fifteen minutes from time the Victoria spurted, and it looked as though they were to be successful, but they were sent to the right about, and when time was announced the Orion were round the Victoria goal. Neither team having gained any advantage, the result was a draw. As is usual in cup ties, the play suffered in consequence of the excitement of the players. The Victoria had considerably the best of the play, and, with a little more judgment, might have won; but, with the replay at Central Park, the Orion may be expected to make a stiffer fight. Coming to the players, the principal weakness on both sides was the forwards, especially the left wing, but all were selfish. This may be partially accounted for by the good display of the half backs, who all did yeoman service. Ririe was the shining light in the back division, although Foote and Edwards both played well. The goalkeepers were on a par.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 7th September 1891

In the first round of the Scottish Cup Tie draws seemed to be the order of the day, and Aberdeen proved no exception to the rule, the match between Victoria United and Orion ending with no scoring. It will be observed from the team list that there are several changes in the teams since they were last on the field. The Orion played Lumsden in goal as a sub. for Low who is on the sick list, while Edwards took up his usual place at right back. Annand was shifted from centre to inside left and Innes - an Old 2nd Aberdeen man - took his place, Fraser going from inside to outside left. In the Victoria ranks Thomson stood at right back, in place of Simpson who retired, while contrary to expectation, and to the mortification of not a few, the left back, Ririe, took his usual place.

On the kick-off the Victoria took the initiative but were repulsed; the play was of a very give-and-take nature, being mostly confined to mid-field. Shortly after the commencement play of a very rough character began on both sides, the referee seeming to pay no heed to it. The defence on both sides was grand, but the forward play was miserable in the extreme, not a single vestige of combination being shown. The ground men aided by the wind were having the best of the game, but through wretched shooting were unable to score. It was now the Orion's turn, and on several occasions they narrowly escaped scoring, their defence keeping them well up the field; they, also, failed to find an opening and when the whistle blew a draw was scored. I am safe to say that had the ground team had the Orion forwards on Saturday they would have won the game, the only forward on the Victoria's side being Black, and for Orion, Gloag.

Source: Northern Figaro, 12th September 1891