The Aberdeen 3 - 3 Dundee Wanderers

Aberdeen had out their full team to meet Wanderers. Had the Whites beaten their opponents the flag would have been a certainty for Torry, but as the points were shared it remains with Forfar Athletic to decide if the Wanderers will have the honour of playing off a tie for first place. Wanderers had first turn of the wind, but it was some time ere they could find an opening. Aberdeen had just about as much of the game as the visitors. Weak shooting robbed them of what should have been dead certainties. Peat opened the scoring, and before the interval Simpson added another for the Wanderers. On restarting Aberdeen were soon dangerous, and a corner was secured. Livingston placed the ball nicely, and Clark headed into the net. Immediately afterwards Stewart saved feebly, and Livingston very smartly put his side on equal terms. Play got fast and furious. Wanderers, for what appeared a quite legitimate charge, were awarded a penalty, and again were leading. Some time elapsed before Aberdeen got equal again, but Gray succeeded in beating Stewart for the third time, and the game ended - Aberdeen, 3; Wanderers, 3.

Short Kicks.

Aberdeen had more of the play than the visitors. Wanderers played a good game, but found the Whites' defence prepared.
Ritchie got some hot ones, but saved well. McConnachie was much more effective than John Davidson.
All three halves played extremely well, Henderson if anything carrying off the palm.
Livingstone excelled in the front line. He is rapidly developing into a first-class player, and a few more displays like that of Saturday will show that local talent is as good as the best imported article.
Gray supported him well, but the same cannot be said of McKay, who played with Shiach. The left-winger got very few passes from his partner, and consequently he was less prominent.
Clark makes a good centre, although we would rather see him on the wing. His shooting was on the weak side.
Aberdeen should have got two penalties at the bottom end, but no - goal kicks were awarded the Wanderers. Livingston was deliberately tripped when going to shoot, and Gray was fouled within the line.
When, oh when, will a decent referee appear at a League fixture? We are quite aware that mistakes will happen, but it is rather strange such mistakes are in nine times out of ten in favour of the visitors.
Aberdeen have now got a team together worthy of the club, and we trust they will still keep up their good form.

Source: Bon-Accord, 24th March 1898

Played at Chanonry. The teams were as follows: DUNDEE WANDERERS: Stewart; Allan, Ferguson; Fleming, Ireland, McColl; Peat, Graham; Dorward, Williamson, Simpson. ABERDEEN: Ritchie; John Davidson, McConnachie; Jas. Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Livingstone, Gray, Clark, R. Mackay, Shiach. Referee: Mr Dalgety, Forfar. Linesmen: Aberdeen, Mr Thos. Blann; Dundee Wanderers: Mr I. Goldie. The weather was fine, albeit a fairly strong sharp wind blew half across the field. There was a large attendance, about 3000 being present when the game commenced.
The Wanderers won the toss, and Clark kicked off for Aberdeen against wind and sun. The Wanderers at once seized the sphere, and looked dangerous, but a slip by Graham gave relief. Again the Dundonians pressed, but only for an instant, McConnachie sending the ball literally "up a tree," where it remained for some time, despite numerous efforts to dislodge it. When play was resumed, the Aberdeen forwards, by good combination from wing to wing, got well up, but Allan blocked the way. Amid considerable excitement the Whites again invaded, and a hot scrimmage took place in front of the Wanderers' citadel. The Wanderers had the best of the exchanges in the first half, and when the whistle blew the score was: Wanderers, 2; Aberdeen, 0.

On resuming some capital football was played, particularly by the home team, and so well did they play that they succeeded in making a draw, the final result being: Dundee Wanderers, 3; Aberdeen, 3.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 21st March 1898