The Aberdeen 4 - 3 Orion

The Aberdeen and Orion met at Chanonry to decide their return League game. Both teams were at full strength, C. W. Mackie being included in the Whites' front line. McBean once more defended Orion's posts, and a new man, Hay of Elgin City, played back. Aberdeen, who have been going very well of late, started strong favourites, but Orion supporters were confident their team would manage to come out top. The opening half was well contested all through, and some really good play was witnessed on both sides. At half time the scores were Aberdeen 3, Orion 1. Orion had the wind in the second half, but the Whites were the first to score. Aberdeen had a penalty, but the ball was sent over the bar. This roused the Stripes, and Ritchie bad a hot time of it. With the assistance of McConnachie he offered a stubborn resistance, and Orion were time and again beaten back. After Orion put on their third goal the excitement grew intense and both sides strove their hardest, but as no further scoring took place Aberdeen retired victors by 4-3.

Short Kicks.

Charlie Mackie scored all the four goals for Aberdeen. He makes an immense difference to the Whites' front rank. An effort should be made to get him to play regularly.
McConnachie was also in great form during the second half. His display could scarcely have been improved upon.
Aberdeen finish their League games with II points for 14 matches. Orion have 10 points with a match to play. Lochee at home.
At present Aberdeen clubs lead at both ends: Vics at the top and Orion at the foot.
Aberdeen have arranged for a visit of the famous 3rd Lanark on Saturday. The full team have been guaranteed.
Notwithstanding the fact that so many will be at Glasgow, the Chanonry team should get a grand gate to see one of the finest teams agoing.

Source: Bon-Accord, 31st March 1898

The Aberdeen and Orion met at Chanonry before a moderate attendance of spectators. The teams were: Aberdeen: Ritchie; John Davidson, Maconnachie; James Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Livingstone, Gray; W. Clark; C. W. Mackie, Shiach. Orion: McBean; Hay, Scott; Currie, Low, Wilson; Webster, Grant; Barron; Dawson, Hogg. Referee: Mr Anderson, Forfar. Aberdeen linesman: Mr T. Blann; Orion linesman: Mr J. Thomson. Orion lost the toss, and kicked off. The ball was immediately sent into touch, but Orion then invaded. Maconnachie was ready, however, and twice relieved by useful kicks within a minute. From one of these Shiach took the sphere, and after some clever passing Aberdeen looked dangerous, but the Orion backs saved. A foul against Aberdeen gave the Cattofield men a look in, but the ball went behind, Aberdeen broke away, but were speedily repulsed, and then Hogg had a splendid try for Orion. At half-time the score was: Aberdeen, 3; Orion, 1. In the second half, with the wind in their favour, Orion speedily attacked, but, try as they could, the Cattofield team could not draw level, and the final result was: Aberdeen, 4 goals; Orion, 3.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 28th March 1898