Orion 2 - 1 The Aberdeen

These teams met in a friendly match at Cattofield. Neither side was at full strength. The men lined up as follows: Orion: Watson; Ross, Scott; Currie, Wilson, Craig; McPherson, Grant; Barron, Webster, Hogg. Aberdeen: Ritchie; John Davidson, Joseph Davidson; Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Livingston, Cameron; Mackay, Gray, Shiach. Referee: Mr Riddell, Edinburgh. Linesmen: Messrs Thomson (Orion), and Maconnachie (Aberdeen). A stiff game ended one goal each in the first half, while as the Orion were the only team to score in the second period they won by two goals to one.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 10th October 1898

Aberdeen and Orion indulged in a friendly, which was anything but friendly. Both were under strength, John Low being absent from Orion and McConnachie from Aberdeen. Never at any time during the game could play be said to have been of a high-class order, both sides going in for too much individual work. There was occasionally a good bit, which however was not kept up. Aberdeen had the incline in their favour the first half, but the interval found matters level, one goal each. The second half opened fast and furious, the defence on both sides being severely tested. Hogg, after a brilliant run of half the field, placed Orion one up. Do what they could, neither of the teams managed to score again, and the game ended: Orion, 2 ; Aberdeen 1.

Mackie and Hogg had some decidedly rough tussles, which were quite unnecessary; and the tactics at times were unworthy of two so experienced players. For Orion, McPherson and Hogg forward were the best of the line. Donald Currie was the most prominent of his side. Scott was ahead of Ross, and Watson saved well. On Aberdeen's side Mackay and Shiach forward, the two backs, and Ritchie played by far the best.

Source; Bon-Accord, 13th October 1898