The Aberdeen 7 - 2 Lochee United

Grey, scowling skies; sloppy ground; pools of water; and a disconcerting wind - these were the conditions under which the Aberdeen and Lochee United met in a Northern League fixture at Central Park; and it will be readily admitted that these were factors that conduced neither to the comfort of players nor spectators. There was not a large attendance of spectators. The Aberdeen team was the same us did duty so successfully against Forfar Athletic at Forfar on the preceding Saturday, while the visitors were represented by their usual eleven. When Mr Tom Robertson blew his whistle for the line-up, it was seen that the teams were as follows: Aberdeen: Ritchie; John Davidson, McConnochie; Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Livingston, Linton, Fullerton, Gray, Shiach. Lochee: Ross; Morrison, Skene; Reid, J. Robertson, S, Robertson, Mahon, Hobban, Vigrow, McIntosh, Taylor.

At the end of the first half of the game the Aberdeen were leading by 4 goals to 1, and they finally won by 7 to 2.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 28th November 1898

What a day. But it did not keep a large number from turning up at Central. Aberdeen would have had a rare gate had the weather been favourable; as it was there was about £12 drawn. The Whites had out their full team, and Lochee were represented by a strong eleven, which included Skene, late of Dundee. It was a pleasant surprise to find that Tom Robertson, Q.P., was to referee. Playing up-hill the Whites soon showed they were in fine form, notwithstanding the greasy ball and slippery ground. Lochee tried hard to get an opening, but were beaten back. Aberdeen bombarded, and the result was a goal by Livingston. A slip by McConnachie let the visitors draw level. Until half-time Aberdeen monopolised the play and scored four goals, the visitors having to be content with one. A penalty was awarded, and Jim Mackie took the kick, but it was not converted. Penalties are not often missed by Aberdeen.

Without leaving the field, the teams restarted. Lochee opened strong, and got a goal in the first few minutes. Then a penalty was given them, but the ball was sent outside the net. Aberdeen wakened up a bit, and Fullerton put on number five. Not to be denied, the Whites played hard and Lochee were rarely at Ritchie. Down the field the Whites came with some fine rushes, and before the call of time, had increased their total to 7, and the two points were got by the tall score of 7-2.

The most rabid Aberdonian never expected his team to win so comfortably when the recent fine form of Lochee is taken is consideration. We were surprised at the form of the Whites. It is many a day since they have played so well as they are doing at present. Fullerton led the forwards on in grand style, and was accountable for no fewer than five of the goals.
Now that Livingston has got Linton, his old Links pal to play with him, the right wing is as strong as it has ever been. Livingston should watch off-side. It does not pay when Tom Robertson has the whistle. Linton is on the slow side, but what he wants in speed made up for by fine judgment.
The left wing was quite up to their usual standard. Shiach and Gray at times simply danced round their opponents' defence.
The halves were all in fine form. It is really difficult a select one of them for special mention.
John Davidson was the best back. In his present form John is worthy of an inter-county cap. McConnochie does not play so well on Central as he used to do in the old quarters. We are inclined to think it is playing on an incline that handicaps him.
Henry Ritchie has returned to his old form, and did all was required of him.
Although the Whites gave a fine exhibition, we think they would perform even better on a level pitch. The close passing game, which is their style of play, cannot be done with accuracy downhill, and they ought to try and get up the banging game when playing down. We know it is difficult to play two distinct styles, but it will pay if the halves kick hard into goal and the forwards lie on the backs ready to take up the passes.
Bar accidents the Whites will have a considerable say in destination of the various pots this season.

Regarding the stopping of the game at Forfar, Tom Robertson is of the opinion that when darkness comes down the game should be stopped at least ten minutes before time, and not when only a minute or two has to go.
Lochee have got a good team all over, but the defence perhaps the strongest part. Skene played a splendid game, and Ross in goal was also very good.

Source: Bon-Accord, 1st December 1898