Forfar Athletic 1 - 0 Aberdeen

This Northern League fixture was played on Station Park, Forfar. Teams:- Aberdeen A: Barrett; Willox, Brebner; W. Low, Thomson, Robertson; R. Ritchie, Cruickshank, Ruddiman, Shiach, Johnstone. Forfar Athletic: Edward; Crighton, Clark; Melvin, Connacher, Bruce; Blyth, Langlands, Brown, Petrie, Rough. Referee - Mr. J. Peat, Dundee Wanderers.

Barrett was early called upon to defend his charge, and he successfully negotiated a shot from Petrie. A minute later the leather was at the other end, and Aberdeen were called upon to defend. Iin both teams the forwards showed fine form, and some interesting play was witnessed. Crighton fouled, and Aberdeen were awarded a penalty, the ball finding the net.

On resuming, Aberdeen became aggressive, but by smart play in the back division, Forfar kept them at bay. Crighton rendering yeoman service. Both teams pressed in turn, and both goals were at times n danger, but Barrett and Edward were equal to the occasion. As time drew near, the Forfar men pressed, but failed to take advantage of a fine opportunity.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 19th September 1904

Although Aberdeen A Journeyed to Forfar on Saturday and bagged the full complement of points at the expense of the Station Park brigade, it was nothing about which they could boast. They were undoubtedly lucky to get the penalty kick?an ex¬tremely doubtful one?which gave them the victory, and had the teams stood level at the close it would have been a fair criterion of the game. For a Northern League encounter the game was decidedly poor, neither eleven seemingly exerting themselves in the least, and only in the opening stages was there anything like good play shown. After that the play was characterised with kick-and-rush tactics, which both teams adopted. Throughout the game the defence on both sides proved superior to the attack, and Forfar were decidedly unlucky to retire one goal down. Edward gave a good display between the sticks for Forfar, but was rather inclined to leave his goal. Chrighton, notwithstanding the fact that he had a dangerous wing to contend against, was the better of the home backs. Connacher was the pick of the halves; while in the front line, which lacked combination and cohesiveness, Petrie and Rough were perhaps the best. On the visitors' side Barrett did the little that was asked of him well. Willox was the better defender, while Thomson was the most effective half-back. Amongst the forwards Shiach and Johnston must be awarded the place of honour. The tricky little Johnston played a rare game until near the close, when a severe kick on the knee necessitated his retiral. Ruddiman also played well, but was rather slow.

Source: Dundee Evening Post, 19th September 1904