Aberdeen 0 - 1 Kirkcaldy United

Looking on at the game impartially, I was firmly of opinion that the A's were lucky to win, and Kirkcaldy unfortunate in losing. A draw would more fairly have reflected the order of events as they occurred in play. At one time the visitors pressed hard, and but for the sterling defence of Barret & Co., would have scored. Then the A's had their turn, and so on it went, very bad marksmanship being shown on both sides. A palpable fist inside the penalty area early in the second period resulted in Tom Ruddiman scoring the only goal of the match. In fairness, however, the A's should have got a penalty in the first period, and in my opinion it was passing over this that led to the committal of the second offence. The visitors had a pair of sturdy backs, the left being especially smart. The halves were a fairish lot, and the forwards were somewhat like Aberdeen's, good and bad by turns. Barret was in fine form between the sticks, Brebner being the better of the two backs. The prince of the half-back line was "Gowie" Robertson. Knowles and Jaffrey were the pick of the forwards. Caie got a trial in centre, at last, and knows a thing or two. It is too bad for the crowd to "barrack" a youth on trial. The conduct of the crowd on both sides of the pitch was most cruel. Give a fair trial to a newcomer.

Source: Bon-Accord, November 10, 1904

In ideal football weather, A's faced Kirkcaldy United in a Northern League fixture. And attendants of about 2000 witnessed the start. Teams:- Barrett; Willox, Brebner; Low, Thompson, Robertson; Knowles, Ruddiman, Caie, Cruikshank, Jeffrey. Kirkcaldy United: Dorward; Grant, Birrell; Menzies, S. Rankine, Collier; J. Rankine, Toole, Shaw, Cowie, Fisher. Referee, Mr. Golding, Dundee Wanderers.

The whites named the wrong side of the coin, and were sent to play against a very strong sun. At the outset the United pressed, and caused the homesters no little uneasiness. Toole sent in a shot which Barrett monies to save at the expense of a corner, from which, however, nothing resulted. The A's gradually forced their opponents back, and Knowles raced down to the wing and sent a nice pass across the goalmouth, which was, however, missed by both Caie and Cruikshank. The Aberdeen forwards were evidently having an off-day, their opponents' form being very little better. Very poor play characterized the game during the remainder of the first half, both goals being visited in turn. The defence of both teams was most prominent, the score at half time being a fair criterion of the play.

On resumption, the game improved somewhat, Knowles and Ruddiman being most prominent. They had however a good back in the shape of Birrell to deal with, and seldom were really dangerous. Jeffrey, on the left, also improved in this half, frequently getting the better of his big opponent. The A's got a corner, and in a scrimmage that ensued Cowie handled the ball. Ruddiman took the penalty and scored the only goal of the match. After this reverse the Stripes infused more spirit into their play, and seemed determined to equalise. J. Rankine was prominent on the right, but he had a knack of passing to the centre rather than shooting for goal. Willox and Brebner kept a capital defence, Barrett being seldom called upon to handle. The gate amounted to £50.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 7th November 1904