Aberdeen 4 - 2 West Norwood

The handful of spectators that braved the storm of Monday night had the satisfaction of witnessing a pleasant game full of fine touches and fast dribbling. True, there was one little incident which marred the pleasantness of an enjoyable game when Tom Ruddiman collared Gault round the neck and attempted to throw him. The latter struck the amateur a blow which he had no right to do, no matter what the provocation and we hope this popular young player will not spoil his good reputation by doing anything of the kind again. The game was only a few minutes old when Ritchie snapped up a pass and beat Macfarlane with a good shot. Open play ruled for some time till Henry Low got his top gear on the ball and placing it nicely to his toes beat the Norwood custodian all the way. Just before half-time Fitchie again got round the defence adroitly and put his side one up. In the second period Aberdeen proved themselves the better side. Mackie equalised, Lennie scored a beauty, and Edgar got his foot on the fourth. This left Aberdeen victors by 4 goals to 2 scored by Norwood. It was a very line game to watch, Ritchie being in grand form and working the ball very cleverly. The halves were good, the backs and goalkeeper doing some brilliant work in the second period. Aberdeen tried a new back in Urquhart, who kicked strongly but seemed to lack speed and experience. Lennie and Edgar are a fine pair, and their work on the left was a perfect treat, every move telling. Low shapes better every time we see him at centre, while Mackie played very finely at inside right, but Simpson should watch that, he does not get put offside so frequently.

Chatty Bits.

Up to Saturday none of the present players of the Aberdeen had been reengaged. What is the matter?
Tumours wild and extravagant are in circulation, but the management will neither confirm nor denv any of them. Absolute secrecy is being maintained just now.
The truth will soon be forthcoming, however. It was talked about in the stand that Secretary Philip had made progress during his recent visits, to Inverness and Glasgow, but the time has not come for public information.
This would seem to be evident by the number of new men being tried, and still there are more to come. It would be out of the question to hang оn to several of the present players, who have been anything but a success, and new blood is wanted.
Should Aberdeen win their remaining games in the East of Scotland League they should win the cup.
Hibs, St. Bernards, and Leith Athletic have still to be met before the close of the season, while several Inter-City games are due.
There is here plenty of scope to try and improve talent for next season, and we believe this is the intention of the Aberdeen management meantime.
That new back, Urquhart, from Invergordon, played a fine gamee at Peterhead.
There is so little of the season now to go that extra matches will have to be resorted to in mid-week, to get through with the programme.
In the south the clubs are busy re-engaging players. None of the prominent men seem to be shifting.
It was given out that Kyle, of the Rangers, was going to Chel-sea, but this has proved incorrect, as he has signed for Ibrox Park.
Stewart has also given his signature for the Hibs, for another, season.
I see it stated that Sheffield United would like to visit Aberdeen before the season closes. I hope Aberdeen will fix them up.
There is no chance of Newcastle United being able to fulfil their promise to come north, owing to their chances of the cup.
Only about £5 was taken at the gates on Monday night. Aberdeen will drop a bit of money on this fixture.
It was a pity that the weather proved so bad, as it spoiled the play, and cut up the pitch badly.
Norwood were highly delighted with their visit to the Granite City, and thought highly of the spectators. "Will ye no come back Again? "
The visitors left with the eight o'clock train on Monday night highly delighted with their tour, though they only had one drawn, game and two losses to record.
There were several new recruits out last night in the benefit-match for the funds of the Junior's.
Almost every night now the directors are on duty spotting talent here and there. If they take all the hints they get, Aberdeen will be one of the strongest teams in the League next season.
Up to the time of going to press there had been no business done with the players at Pittodrie.
After Saturday's two games in The League Aberdeen have or to meet Kirkcaldy United to complete their programme.
There is a strong effort to increase the number of clubs in the Scottish League next season.
The applicants for promotion are busily working up their claims, but it is not certain yet if there is a majority favourable to the proposal.
Mr. Stevenson has decided not to seek another term of office as president of the S.F.A.. There was to be strong opposition to his taking the chair for a third time.

Source: Bon-Accord, 19th April 1906

West Norwood team finished the Easter tour in Scotland last night with a game at Pittodrie, where the Aberdeen first team provided the opposition. Unfortunately the weather was of a most unfavourable nature of the event, the rain storm which prevailed during the day developing into sleet, and the result was that the spectatorate was meagre. T. T. Fitchie in himself was an attraction, and despite the sloppy pitch, his exhibition was well worth witnessing, while the other players also performed creditably. Street was falling heavily and a bitterly cold wind swept the field when the teams turned out as follows:-
To Aberdeen:MacFarlane, Urquhart, Gault, Halkett, Strang, Low, Simpson, Mackie, H. Low, Edgar, Lennie.
West Norwood: L. Cooks; S. Warborthan, D. Coulthurst; G. F. Roger, H. C. Littlewort, T. R. Upsdale; H. F. White, J. N=Bradshaw, T. Ruddiman, T, T. Fitchie, S. W. Smith.
Referee - Mr. Alexander Watt, Aberdeen.

The opening exchanges were not a toll promising, but only a few minutes elapsed when it was made apparent that the contest was not to be after the usual friendly style. Vocational invasions by the strangers looked dangerous, and on one of these occasions a smart cross from the right gave Fitchie the opportunity. In a trice the sphere was picked up and shot into the net like lightning, Macfarlane having not the slightest chance of averting the disaster. The Englishmen were certainly the smarter lot on the ball, but the crack inside left got little scope for nice work, fights to Halkett's close attention, but when Fitchie did secure possession it generally meant but the Aberdeen defence had trouble. Locals were by no means out of the running, and a judicious solo run by Henry Low brought the equalising point. The pivot carried the siege into English Territory, and after some tackling by the backs, which he circumvented with the aid of his wings, Henry drove neatly into goal. Gault and Ruddiman had a sharp run, which ended in a stand-up fight. The local amateur was seen to get his arm around Gault's neck and heave him to the turf, and when the latter recovered himself he directed several severe blows and Ruddiman. Fortunately they encounter was short, though sharp, and the game went on without interruption. The "Bantams" once more claimed a lead, through Fitchie, who diddled the backs and sent in a rocket shot, which Macfarlane only managed to tipped over. A corner kick was sent well out to Fitchie, who caught the ball and made air with an inimitable twist of the foot, bringing it into fine position for shooting, and sending a direct to the haven.

Shortly after the commencement of the second period Gault had to retire after a collision with Fitchie, but although Wilfred Low had to leave the half line to fill the vacancy in the defence, Aberdeen did not lose ground. Henry Low had an open goal at close range, and drove behind, but only a few minutes elapsed when Mackie got the equalizer. Lennie was providing rare entertainment, and while he was responsible for an inglorious miss, he retrieved his good name by putting Aberdeen on the lead. The ball came swiftly across from the wing, and with a bound he was on it, driving the sphere from the foot of an Englishman with a clean hitching kick into the net. All through Aberdeen maintained the upper hand, and Mackie notched a fourth point for the homesters about five minutes before time.

One the drawings amounted to £3.