Aberdeen 8 - 1 Lochgelly United

Lochgelly were the visitors to Pittodrie on Saturday, where they met the Aberdeen in a Northern League Fixture. There is no remark required about the weather, as we all know what like it was. In fact, it would be impossible to describe it in terms worthy of respect. The visitors won the toss, and played towards the city with the elements in their favour. The Whites from the first took up the running, but their attack was both weak and disjointed, and was accordingly easily repulsed. The Fifers right wing broke away, and Gildea was brought down by J. Mackie, within the dreaded line, in an illegal manner. The resultant penalty was taken by Haxton, but that player shot past and the danger was averted. The homesters then got away, and C. Mackie, from a nice pass, opened the scoring by beating Laing with a nice shot. The second point, and a rather questionable one, came from McAulay, who just beat Laing with a low shot which the custodian just stopped on the wrong side of the goal line. The referee and the United players had a big difference of opinion on this point. A third goal came from a foul kick - Low being the scorer - and then the visitors' left wing had a dangerous run down which was nicely stopped by J. Mackie. During a scrimmage in front of the home goal, the United were granted a second penalty. Low handled on this occasion. Devine took the kick, but his shot caught Barrett instead of the net, and it was with difficulty that the goalkeeper got the sphere away. Mackie in centre put on the fourth goal with a grand shot which gave the visitor's keeper no chance to save. Half-time arrived with the Whites holding a well-deserved lead of four goals. On resuming, the game still continued in favour of the Whites, who were all over the visitors, and it was with little difficulty that they put on another four goals. Barron, Mackie, and Johnstone twice being the scorers. The United, on the other hand, played a very lackadaisical game all over. They, however, did manage to get one goal as a sort of consolation - Burton having the honour. The game ended - Aberdeen 8, Lochgelly United 1.

Mud-Larks From Pittodrie.

It was only enthusiasts and season ticket holders who would have ventured out in such weather to witness a football match.
Even though there was a fairly large crowd yet the gate was only £24.
This proves our opening remarks.
The Lochgelly were far from being United on Saturday's display.
A change of name should be thought on.
Laing had a hard job and a thankless one too. He did not have much chance with any which beat him.
McNeill and Luttie were not to blame either for the defeat, as both played a hard game. Their tactics are not of the gentle or lady-like order.
The halves and forwards were "all mixed up like chocolates in a box" as the song puts it.
The outside men, Gildea and Haxton, were the best of a very weak front rank.
Barrett did exceedingly well in the home goal, and gave his usual fine display.
The homesters were well served at back by Mackie and McNicol1. The latter improves every week, and will soon be at his best.
The halves all played a grand game.
The same remark applies to the front rank, but the opposition was weak, and the quintette had a perfect, picnic.
Barron will require to study the inside right position, as he lies too near Shinner, and too far up the field.
We would recommend the referee for the V.C as there is no doubt but that Mr. Philip risked a lot by officiating in such vile weather. He is also to be complimented on his smart and splendid handling of the game. C.

Source: Bon-Accord December 3, 1903

These teams met at Pittodrie in a Northern League fixture. Teams:- Aberdeen: Barrett; J. Mackie, McNicol; Low, Strang, Ritchie; Skinner, Barron, C. Mackie, McAulay, Johnstone. Lochgelly: Laing; McNeill, Suttie; Green, Paterson, Hodge; Gildes, Devine, Smith, Burton, Haxton. Referee - Mr. D. Philip, Dunfermline.

Even with the disadvantage of playing in the teeth of a strong wind, Aberdeen kept pegging away in close proximity to Laing. He, however, did not touch often, for both McNeill and Suttie tackled fearlessly. Corners, goal-kicks, and fouls were somewhat numerous in favour of the Whites. The United seemed to be adapting themselves to circumstances, and had frequent excursions to see Barrett. A corner placed truly and finely by Hampton brought forth a scrum. McNicol being very attentive, sent his forwards on a mission, and Charlie Mackie and his right wing were the direct means of the home pivot scoring. Fairly equal exchanges succeeded, and from one of these McAulay beat Laing. Two goals now to the good, Aberdeen still monopolised, and Lochgelly's guardian was seen to advantage, saving from McAulay and Johnstone. From a foul kick taken close in, Low put up the third goal. A penalty was awarded Lochgelly, but the kick was unsuccessful through the timely intervention of Barrett. Mackie secures=d a fourth goal, and till the interval Aberdeen had all the play.

On resuming Aberdeen continued their tactics, and were successful so far that they kept the visitors pretty much at bay. After a long unmolested run Barron cleverly beat Laing for the fifth time, and Johnstone scored again for Aberdeen. In a scrimmage Lochgelly got their first goal.

Source: Aberdeen Journal, 30th November 1903