Aberdeen 3 - 2 Aberdeen Harp

Aberdeen's second string met the local Harp in the final for the County Cup at Pittodrie on Saturday. The weather was ideal, although the pitch was rather sodden as a result of recent heavy rains. The was a good turnout of spectators, proving the interest that had been created in the competition. Mr. Nisbet, Edinburgh, lined up the following teams:-
Aberdeen A: Barrett; Willox, Mackie; Low, Thompson, Robertson; Knowles, Cruikshank, G McNicol, Shiach, Jaffrey.
Harp: Herd; Bremner, Massie; Hamilton, Henderson, Findlay; Mackay, Geaters, McDonald, Vass, Gordon.

McDonald sent the ball in motion for the Harp, whose right wing was immediately conspicuous for several spirited runs, but the A's defence stood up well, and the opposing forwards caused Barrett little uneasiness. The Harp, however, played the forcing game, and it was unfortunate that Henderson should have had to retire as a result of a collision. The half-back was cut on the head, but he soon returned. Vass and Gordon were making things hum, the pair showing really clever, although somewhat ineffective, tactics. Jaffrey was early prominent, but Bremner had a good measure of the A's left wing. The game continued fast, and Aberdeen became the aggressors. The pressure on the Green's territory was increased by Jaffrey being fouled when shaping promisingly. McNicol was conspicuous for good generalship, and he led a great attack on Herd's charge. First Jaffrey and then Knowles banged in the right direction, but the defence could not be pierced, and a swift shot from McNicol failed to find its billet, although the crowd showed its appreciation of the A's attack in no uncertain fashion. Knowles tried a long-range shot from the touch line. The ball curled beautifully in the air, but, grazing the cross-bar, it went behind. In the thick of the attack Bremner lent great assistance to the "Bhoys," he being far superior to his neighbour in clearing. Midfield play rolled for a time, although the incursions of the A's were always more dangerous than the attack of their opponents. Half an hour after the start Shiach opened for Aberdeen. He caught a judiciously-placed pass by McNicol and popped the leather passed Herd. The A's immediately returned to the attack, but bad shooting kept them from scoring. A fine understanding existed between McNicol and Knowles, and one smart pass from the latter should have been converted by the centre, who headed the ball softly into Herd's hands. A sensational transference of play resulted, the Aberdeen goalkeeper being rather sorely beset. One shot from a scrimmage looked as if it crossed the goal line, and the Harp followers seemed keenly disappointed on a goal kick being given. Jaffrey proved a source of much trouble to Bremner, but the left-winger could never get to close enough range. His parting shots, however, were of the dangerous order.
The game, although fast, was not scientific, the Harp especially playing in the hearty kick and rush style. Bremner saved a certain goal when he grassed Shiach all but on the penalty line, and Jaffray forced a fruitless corner. Geaters played a very weak game in the first half for Harp, and several of his mistakes were likely to be taken advantage of, he missed a great chance by failing to accept a pass from McDonald when he only had Barrett to defeat. Just before half-time, McNicol led a determined onslaught upon Herd. The custodian saved twice in succession, and Knowles actually had the ball netted, but the referee blew his whistle for a foul against Cruikshank simultaneously, and Harp were soon banging away at the other end. Vass was one of the most effective men on the Harp's side. A great shot from his toe should've found its mark, but Barrett stopped the progress of the ball. The latter cleared weakly, but there was no player smart enough to give the leather the necessary push. At the other end "Geordie" McNicol netted, but in doing so he fouled a Harp player, and the point was not given. Willox was cheered for a magnificent shot from the centreline, which would've defeated many a custodian, but Herd cleared creditably. The A's were value for their one goal lead at half time.

On resuming, Aberdeen immediately dashed eastward, and some excitement prevailed in front of Herd. Bad shooting kept the aggressors from scoring until a clever breakaway by Cruikshank resulted in Herd being defeated, the former player tipping the leather into the far corner of the net. Maintaining the pressure, the venue of play was again to near Herd to be safe. A bad mistake by one of the backs when under pressure resulted in McNicol fastening on to the ball, and the pivot gave the custodian no chance. The A's were now are all over the "bhoys," and but for the defence the Pittodrie men would have scored repeatedly. As it was, successive scrimmages took place in the Harp quarters, and further scoring seemed only a matter of time. Shiach was badly grassed in a scrimmage, and had to go to the pavilion. Suddenly, the Harp forwards instilled renewed energy into their work, Vass leading a very plucky attack. The prettiest goal of the match was seen when "Roddy" McKay outwitted Mackie and beat Barrett, hands down, with a beauty. Encouraged by the success, the "bhoys" set a great pace, and for a time could simply not be held in. The right wing was very conspicuous, McKay and Geaters, especially the latter, showing improved form. Geaters fairly retrieved past errors when he tipped the ball clean past Barrett, thus scoring number two for the Harp. With 10 minutes to draw level, the "Greens" played up with great dash, and the A's also, realising the possibility of a drawn game, played became very fast. The Harp forwards, however, were too eager, and any subsequent invasion made by them was easily repulsed. The game, however, was equally contested until the call of time, and the result was a fair indication of the run of play. The "gate" was £41.

PRESENTATION OF MEDALS

At the conclusion of the much, Baillie Glass presented medals to the captains of the teams for distribution among the players. The cup, however, was not on the ground. Baillie Glass complemented the winners on their success in the competition. He hoped that the A team would make a good show in the Dewar Shield competition, and bring the trophy to the local camp. He condoled with the Harp in failing to clear the last hurdle, and he trusted that the members of the team would stick together and yet prove their mettle. (Applause)
Mr. Wyllie paid a neat complement to the referee of the match, Mr. Nisbet, Edinburgh, whom he described as a most able and impartial referee.
Mr. Wyllie was heartily cheered for his services in connection with the competition.

Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 20th March 1905