The Aberdeen 0 - 2 Dumbarton

Fresh from their big victory over Inverness Clachnacuddin, Dumbarton turned out in full force at Chanonry. It was expected W. J. Gauld would turn out for his old team, but, although present, he did not feel well enough to don the colours. Charlie Mackie filled the vacancy. Dumbarton kept the Whites' defence continually on the move. The wings were as speedy as we have seen for some time, and a capital understanding existed in the front line. Altogether their display during the whole game was of a high-class order. The Whites have often played a much more effective game.
The magnificent defence of the visitors had a good deal to do with the Whites want of success at the goalmouth. In the open, Aberdeen put in some very good work, but when it came to close quarters they failed to finish at all well. A very interesting game ended in a win for Dumbarton by 2-0.

Source: Bon-Accord, 6th January 1898

At Chanonry the Aberdeen engaged with the Dumbarton in a friendly match. The weather had cleared up, though the ground was rather heavy, and there was a good attendance of spectators. Mr Alex. Smith, Aberdeen, was referee, and the teams were: Aberdeen: H. Ritchie; McConnochie, "Williams"; J. Mackie, Joseph Davidson, Thomson; Livingstone, Stephen, Gray, Clark, Shiach. Dumbarton: Docherty; Skinner, D. Thomson; W. Thomson. Richmond, Morrice; Gillies, Speedy, Murphy, Watt, Cole. The opening stages of the game were fast, but an absence of anything like systematic combination rendered the play rather wild. Both custodians had difficult shots to negotiate, but they succeeded in warding off the assaults, though the home left and the Dumbarton right, wings made gallant efforts to score. The strangers gradually settled down to a siege of the local citadel, and the defence had to work hard to keep the charge intact. The back and half lines were called to extraordinary exertions, and they acquitted themselves well, and Ritchie also did yeoman service. Though the attempts of the Dumbarton were frustrated, the reliefs were spasmodic, as the forwards were unable to retain the ball within foreign territory when they got it there. Ends were changed without either team having a point to its credit.

On resuming, the Aberdeen invaded, but were repulsed, and a strong attack was made on the homo goal. Gillies took the ball down the wing at a smart pace, and centred well. The net seemed to be at the mercy of Speedy and Murphy, but the leather whizzed past them, and on to Cole, who shot wide. The ball was returned from the kick-off, and a combined rush resulted in Ritchie being pushed over the line with the sphere in his arms. Ten minutes afterwards the colours of the Aberdeen were again in danger, but their lucky star was in the ascendant, and the uprights had an escape little short of miraculous. The Aberdeen tried up-field several times, but they were driven back, and play centred round the home goal. Ritchie was nimble, and aided by the best of luck, he managed to defeat his assailants again and again. At last, however, the ball was sent in with effect, the finishing touch being accidently given by one of the home backs. Shiach and Livingstone had a few tries at the Dumbarton net, but their efforts were thwarted, and the ball always gravitated towards the Aberdeen citadel. All attempts at further scoring, however, were void of successful result, and the match terminated with the strangers the victors by 2 goals to 0.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 4th January 1898