The Aberdeen 3 - 3 Rangers

A holiday fixture was played at Pittodrie Park, Aberdeen, yesterday afternoon when the Rangers, who are on tour, met Aberdeen. There was a large turnout of spectators, and the pitch was in fine condition. The teams lined up as follows:- Rangers: Dickie; Neil, Drummond; Robertson, Stark, Johnstone; Knox, Sharp, Hamilton, Speedie, John Campbell. Aberdeen: Bisset; Mackie, Douglas; Sangster, Thomson, Brown; McHardy, Davidson, C. Mackie, Shiach, Robertson. Mr. W. Ritchie, Aberdeen, was referee. Smith, McPherson and Davidson were, on account of illness, unable to play for Rangers. The visitors got a very hearty reception as they entered the field.

Aberdeen kicked off, and made a gallant attempt to pass the Rangers' forward line. Although unevenly matched when pitted against such heavy stalwarts, the Aberdeen men soon attacked, but despite Shiach's energy he was unable to score. Back the Aberdeen had to fall, but it was only temporarily. It really seemed as if Rangers were giving them full scope for their energies to commence with. This could not last long, however, and the visitors gradually pushed forward, only to be speedily repulsed. McHardy made a very plucky attempt on the right wing, but superiority of numbers forced him to give way. Some give-and-take play at midfield was followed by McHardy passing a very neat shot to Shiach, but that player failed to score. For a second time Rangers got within scoring distance. Campbell, however, sent the ball past the intended mark. Knox also failed to score, although he got the chance shortly after. Indeed, Harry Brown seemed to open some of their eyes, so completely did that palyer put the Rangers in the shade by his fine dribbling. The only good derived from this, however, was the fact that he could keep the ball from getting into a dangerous position. On more than one occasion Brown came to the rescue none too soon. On the whole the exhibition was not up to expectations, for had a goal been scored the enthusiasm would have at once been raised. Hamilton was in the act of placing the ball in the net, amidst great excitement, but the sphere was unceremoniously taken from him. On several occasions the rangers were in a like manner prevented from scoring. McHardy never once relaxed his efforts on the right wing, but, unfortunately, that player was soon overcome by superior force. It looked as if the Rangers were now to "pile on" a score, but the defence awaited the attack with great coolness, and had little difficulty in repulsing the visitors. From the Aberdeen quarters play was transferred to the other endof the field, the "Whites" right wing being hotly engaged. Play was again transferred, but there was no scoring.

In the second period Aberdeen soon got under weigh, and with great determination pegged away at Dickie's charge. After a hot five minutes at close quarters, Shich, amid great excitement, scored the first goal. While the enthusiasm was still at a very high pitch, Shiach again overcame Dickie from close in. Hamilton, who was now playing outside right, made a spirited dash along the touchline, but although he passed to one of the players on the left wing, the backs got the ball clar away. At a smart pace the leather was brought up towards the Rangers' goal, but this time Aberdeen did not meet with the same success as formerly. The visitors now got the upper hand, but Bisset had not much difficulty in keeping a clear goal. It was not long befor Aberdeen again made an effort to add to their score, and some interesting play took place near the Rangers' goal. Taking Aberdeen quite unexpectedly, Hamilton scored the first goal for his side. An unfortunate incident occurred at this point, when Harry Brown got his leg hurt and had to leave the field, but he soon returned. Shiach netted the ball, but he was offside and the point consequently was disallowed. This perormance was more successfully repeated shortly after by Shiach, who, getting a pass from Davidson, scored a third goal. Dickie had a hot time of it, but he managed to save several likely shots. Another goal was scored by Speedie for Rangers, while Hamilton put on a third.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 7th May 1901