Dundee Wanderers 0 - 2 Aberdeen

Having followed the varied career of the Aberdeen Football Club since its inauguration with great interest, methought I would pay Cleppington a visit on Saturday. I was amazed at the park, so much so that I venture to think that some of our juniors in Aberdeen would turn up "their noble noses in scorn" if requested to put in an afternoon's work there. This, however, en passant. Aberdeen turned out before a very meagre spectatorate, and throughout the first half Shinner delighted the Dundonians with some hot shots for goal. The Wanderers "goalie" was not napping, however, and dealt with them in a clever fashion. The ground troubled the Aberdeen players very much, and good work was entirely wanting. No sooner did the forwards seem to get off, than down one came, and the ball was left to wander aimlessly to the foot of a Wanderer. However, the Wanderer's were having their share of the play, and Barrett had to clear frequently. After twenty-five minutes' play Charlie Mackie scored with a nice clean shot, which Ireland had no chance of saving. Then Aberdeen wakened up and assumed the aggressive until half time, which was called with the Scores as follows - Aberdeen 1, Wanderers 0.

When play resumed Aberdeen burst off and were potting at Ireland for all they were worth. Several corners were conceded but all were fruitless. Then ensued the same kind of play that we often see at Pittodrie, namely a falling to pieces of the Aberdeen combination, with no apparent reason. McGregor and McNicoll were very safe, however, especially the latter, who was easily the best back on the field. The Wanderers were now playing for a draw, if possible, and Dorward and Moir both gave Barrett plenty of work. Things looked bad for the Aberdeen until Johnstone got the ball from McAulay. He dodged the half back, outwitted the back and had to run the gauntlet, so to speak, for the other back came charging across. But somehow he wriggled on, and eventually scored with a long shot into the far corner of the net. It was entirely an individual effort, in fact, it was a day of efforts. Combination was out of the question with the ground in such a condition. Ding-dong play ensued until time was called, with the Wanderers beaten by 2-0.

Source: Bon-Accord October 15, 1903

Clippings from Cleppington.

Shinner soon became a favourite with Dundonians, who like to see good shooting.
This player is doing well to-day. He can show his heels to both back and half-back.
Charlie Mackie in centre does fairly well. There is no doubt that Charlie can run, but his shooting is sometimes erratic.
His goal was a clinker, however. Johnstone today played very well; McAulay and Mackay were having an off day.
Dave Mackay is not quite recovered yet, and should be allowed a rest next week.
The halves were weak, Strang being the best of the trio.
The fact that Sangster is off is easily apparent. I hope "Jock" will be able to occupy his accustomed place on Saturday.
McGregor played a good game. He was evidently at home in Dundee, and really did some clever work. The Aberdeen crowd seem to unnerve Mac.
Now a word on MacNicoll. I was immensely interested in the new capture. He is really a good sound back If one can judge by his display at Clepington. He is cool, has good speed, and what is better is a huge kicker. He was never beaten. All success to you, MacNicoll.
The Wanderers are scrappy, The forwards are entirely out of joint. Dorward is their best forward, while Crockatt and Ryan did well at half.
Ireland in goal did some clever things. Speaking of goalkeepers, Barrett struck me as doing very well on Saturday.

There was only a small attendance at Clepington Park on Saturday when Aberdeen paid their first visit to Dundee, and me the Wanderers. The elevens that too the field as follows:- Aberdeen: Barrett; McNicol, McGregor; Low, Strang, Ritchie; Shinner, Mackay, Mackie, McAulay, Johnstone. Wanderers: Ireland; Taylor, Duncan; Crockatt, Ryan, Fenton; Moir, Black, Dorward, Graham, Anderson. Referee - Mr. Peter Hodge, Dunfermline.

The Dundee men kicked off, but Aberdeen early took up the running, and forced a corner. The Wanderers after this narrow escape then pressed, but the two "Macs" maintained a sturdy defence, and Barrett was rarely troubled. It was some time ere the Aberdonians managed to get accustomed to the pitch, but nevertheless they showed some fine combination, and it was only due to the grand work of Ireland that they did not notch the opening point. The Dundee men paid a few - a very few - visits into their opponents' territory, but their shooting was execrable. The Maroon's forwards were not showing their usual dash, but this was no doubt due to the excellent defence opposed to them. They succeeded in beating back the Whites, but their display at close quarters was very poor. The outside men were the worst in that respect, and many chances were lost through their defective range. Aberdeen were confined to their own territory for some time, but their backs were equal to almost all the calls, and when Dorward and his wings managed to get the better of them they threw their openings away by bad shooting.

The Wanderers resumed with renewed vigour, and a regular fusillade was kept up on the Aberdeen's defence. Dorward just missed with a high shot, while Moir had two lovely centres which caused the goalkeeper some trouble. Gradually the Maroons were driven back, and Aberdeen then tested the Wanderers' defence with more precision than their opponents. Ireland had several dangerous shots to dispose of. Play was again transferred to the other end, where Dorward tested Barrett with a grand shot, the custodian having to grant a fruitless corner. The game was very fast and exciting, and ere long the visitors also secured a corner, which likewise proved of no advantage. A foul to the field team looked dangerous, Dorward sending in a regular scorcher, which Barrett save in magnificent style. Johnstone succeeded in carrying the play into the Wanderers' territory, and although nearly overcome by weight of numbers, he hung tenaciously to the ball, and, with a good shot, beat Ireland.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 12th October 1903