Orion 2 - 1 The Aberdeen

The interest taken in local circles in the semi-final of the Aberdeenshire Cup competition was, if any/thing, accentuated by the match a week ago, which was regarded as only a friendly owing to the state of the ground. Special precautions had been taken to make the ground as good as possible on Saturday, and a plentiful supply of sand and a frequent application of the roller had the effect of making a firm surface, the only fault being perhaps a little hardness. The ground was not slippery, however, and an inspection by the referee and several of the officials completely justified the determination to regard the match as a cup tie. When the gates were opened, a crowd began to pour in, and a steady stream up to the time of the kick-off augured a good attendance. There had been an intention of again trying J. Thom in the centre for the Orion, but as he was indisposed in the early part of the week it was decided advisable not to include him. The teams lined up as follows: Aberdeen: Ritchie; Davidson, McConnochie; Mackie, Henderson, Thomson; Livingstone, Mackay, Fullarton, Gray, Shiach. Orion: Watson; Ross, Livingstone; Currie, Low, Wilson; McPherson, Grant, Barron, Webster, Hogg. Referee: Mr Livingstone, Partick Thistle.

Aberdeen won the toss, and Orion kicked off down the hill. The Aberdeen forwards were going in grand style, Fullerton proving him¬self capable in the centre, but eventually Macpherson burst away, and screwed in against the Orion bar with beautiful precision, and Barron, dashing up, put the Stripes one up amid excitement. Play was now fast and furious, both sides, showing flashes of good combination. Ritchie was still having most to do, the Orion halves playing well. The attack was staved off for a time, but the Stripes returned to the charge with determination, and party feeling ran high when, as the result of another run by Macpherson, Barron put on No. 2 for the Orion. Nettled by this reverse, the Whites strove hard to reduce the lead, and play tended to roughness, the referee having several times to caution players. It was long before the Whites drew blood, but at last, as the result of some clever manoeuvring oh the right by Livingstone and Mackay, Shiach accepted a cross, and Livingstone dashing up, put on the finishing touch after J. Watson had partially cleared. The half-time whistle went shortly afterwards with the score: Orion, 2; Aberdeen, 1.

There was no scoring in the second half, and the game ended in a win to the Orion by 2 goals to 1.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 30th January 1899

We got a surprise on reaching the Cattofield ground. It had been most carefully prepared and covered with sand. The pitch seemed well-nigh perfect. It, however, would have paid the clubs to place bills at the top of Market Street intimating that the tie was to be played, as quite a number of people were uncertain whether to go or not. They object to friendlies now. Jim Thorn's non-appearance was greatly regretted. Orion's team was the same as last week; Aberdeen's ditto.

Play at the commencement was anything but brilliant. Webster was late in putting in an appearance. Orion played ten men for a short time. As the game wore on both sides improved greatly. A good bit of work by McPherson opened the scoring; and from a fine run by the same player Barron got number two for Orion. This caused Aberdeen to stir themselves a bit. The goal which the Whites got was well worked for and smartly taken. Repeated visits were made to Ritchie, but he managed to keep his goal intact, and half-time ended with the scores: Orion 2, Aberdeen 1.

During the first half some of the players had been finding it difficult to keep their feet. The ice beneath the sand gave them some trouble. The game was resumed, and Aberdeen started with every confidence, being only one goal down. At the start it did look as if they were carrying everything before them. Watson saved one shot in miraculous style, and got deservedly cheered. The Orion forwards retaliated, and Ritchie had an anxious time of it. The Stripes kept well in Aberdeen's territory, but no scoring took place. Hogg thought he would try centre, but was not long in returning to his old place. As time wore on the Aberdeen supporters began to shake their heads and look their watches. Some good chances were lost, and when the whistle blew the score stood unchanged: Orion 2, Aberdeen 1.

Orion undoubtedly played the better game all through. There was method in the attack, and the defence gave a grand account of themselves. On the Aberdeen side the most notable feature was the poor display by the forwards during the second half. They did not seem the same lot at all as the previous week. One or two of them kept tumbling about, and were next to useless. It was really astonishing to gee the difference in their play.
Orion were worth a larger margin on the day's play. Watson was fine in goal; Ross and Livingstone fine at back. The halves were better than usual; forward it would be difficult to say who was best.
On the Aberdeen side the decision of the Whites Committee to play McConnochie on the slippery ground was condemned by a large portion of the crowd; and the crowd were right. We have rarely seen Mac give a poorer display. He never seemed to have confidence in himself, but was to be excused, as the ground handicapped him considerably. Joe Davidson was the man for Saturday. Why do the Aberdeen Committee leave Joe out so often? Henry Ritchie and John Davidson had all the defence, and it says much for them that only two goals were scored. The halves played well, but the forwards were far under their usual form. The refereeing was a vast improvement on last week, and gave satisfaction.
Orion now play the final with the Vics, and it is long odds, considering the present form of the Blues, that the cup will grace the Orion president's sideboard.

Source: Bon-Accord, 2nd February 1899