Peterhead 0 - 0 Aberdeen

These teams met in the Recreation Park, Peterhead, on Wednesday evening in presence of a large attendance of spectators. More than ordinary interest was manifested in the match owing to the fact that the teams try conclusion today in Aberdeen in the final for the ex-Lord Provost Fleming's charity shield. The teams lined up as follows:- Aberdeen: Davidson (Strathclyde); Willox, Brebner ; Sangster, H. Low, Robertson; Shinner, Robertson, Strang, McAulay, Shiach. Peterhead: Buchan; Robertson, Shand; McDonald, Davidson, Ross; McIntosh, A. Buchan, McEachran. Daniel Davidson, Thomson. Peterhead kicked off, and fest play at once became the order of the day. The strangers went into the game with great energy, and a run down the field by Shiach looked promising, but Robertson intercepted the ball, and returned it to midfield. Continuing; the pressure, the Aberdonians almost scored through McAulay, but Buchan managed to save. Peterhead had now a look in, and a combined run by Buchan and Davidson called out the Aberdeen custodian, who, however, was equal to the occasion. For a time after this the local players had the best of the game. Robertson and Shand were very reliable, while Ross was almost unbeatable, and he made matters lively for Robertson and Shinner. The Peterhead attacked with considerable vigour, but score they could not. The visitors roused themselves, and some neat passing by McAulay called Buchan out to save his citadel, which he did by fisting out in splendid style. Notwithstanding this rebuff, the strangers kept up the pressure, and forced a corner, but nothing came of it, Shinner taking the kick badly. Shortly after this the whistle blew for half-time, with both teams on equal terms, neither having managed to find the net.

The Peterhead commenced the second half in grand style. In the forward line McEachran and McIntosh exchanged places, and the Aberdonians also made a few alterations in their team. Peterhead at once assumed the aggressive, and secured a corner, which was well taken by McEachran, and another corner had to be conceded. Again McEachran placed the ball beautifully, and the locals surging round the "Whites," forced them to concede a third corner. Once more McEachran placed a beauty, and at the result of another scrimmage to force an opening, another corner - the fourth within a minute - fell to Peterhead. The pressure was this time relieved by Robertson shooting high. Aberdeen broke away, and McAulay again tested Buchan with a stinging shot. The ball travelled rapidly from end to end for a time, and the local players, while they eluded their opponents by tricky play, were foiled for a time in their efforts by being kept off the ball by the sheer weight of the Aberdonians. The "Whites," once more took up the running, and Shinner had a chance, but shot wide. Playing for all they were worth, they forced a corner, which was, however, fruitless. The locals returned the pressure, and from a corner off Willox, which also failed, but they were not to be shaken off, and as the result of further hard play, they crowded round Davidson, who had to throw out to save. The ball was, however, returned by the Peterhead captain, and from another corner the ball was banged in three or four times, but no opening could be found, the "Whites" having practically lined up their goal-mouth. During the greater part of the second half Peterhead undoubtedly had most of the play, though unfortunate at goal. During the last few minutes Aberdeen looked dangerous, but Robertson and Shand, and not less the hard play of Ross, saved the lowering of the local colours. Mr Cordiner, Peterhead, was referee.

Source: Peterhead Sentinel and Buchan Journal, 14th May 1904