The Thistle Archive

Aberdeen football clubs are unfortunate. On the 22nd no match could be played on account of the gale, and on Saturday one of the two fixtures that had been arranged was postponed. Victoria United expected a visit from Port-Glasgow, but the Clyde men arrived an hour and a half after the advertised hour for starting. By that time it was too late to proceed, and the meeting was put off till to-day, when it is hoped the weather will enable the teams to face each other. Although there were between two and three inches of snow on the ground at Chanonry, Aberdeen played their match with Partick Thistle. A drearier scene than that which presented itself at Chanonry on Saturday afternoon as the Partick Thistle stepped upon the field to play Aberdeen in a friendly match could not well be imagined. The wind blew a gale, and heavy showers of snow and sleet swept the field. Under such circumstances it was quite natural to expect that the number of spectators world be few, and good play impossible. Aberdeen won the toss, and Partick Thistle kicked off against the wind. The home forwards got upon the ball, and by pretty combination succeeded in evading the strangers' halves; but Spence and Cook stopped the rush, and play was transferred. It was only for a short time, however, as a long shot from Davidson sent the leather well down the field. On several occasions it looked as if Aberdeen would scare, but Smith was always equal to the occasion. The right wing of the Thistle had a splendid run up the field. A long pan, however, gave the ball to Aberdeen, who in turn dribbled it into the strangers' territory. Neither the combined efforts of Turner and Taylor, nor those of Gray and Mackie, could pierce the strong back play of Spence and Cook. From a throw-in, a lightning shot was directed to the Thistle goal, but the ball struck the bar and rebounded into play. Aberdeen continued to press heavily, and eventually their efforts were crowned with success, a fine pass from Mackie and Toman sending the leather home. The Thistle forwards made repeated efforts to break away, but were held well in check, and their backs were again called upon to stop a rush from Gray and Mackie. This they failed to do, and Toman sent in a sharp shot which beat Smith for a second time. Half-time found Aberdeen leading by 2 to nil. With the wind in their favour, it was expected that the strangers would carry all before them, but, matters turned out otherwise, for immediately on resuming the homesters made their way up the field. Their progress was stopped, however, ere they reached the goalmouth, and the Thistle by a combined effort rushed down, and eluding the vigilance of Davidson and Gall sent the ball past Smythe. Off-side was claimed and allowed. Again the strangers besieged the home goal, and Smythe had to fist out several times. Unfortunately, Davidson in clearing headed the ball through his own goal the Partiok Thistle thus securing their first, and what proved to be their only goal. Turner and Taylor for Aberdeen had a beautiful run towards the opposite goal, and backed up by Toman, Gray, and Mackie, compelled the Thistle custodian to freely use his hands. A swift, low shot took effect, and shortly afterwards Aberdeen scored another goal, the game ending Aberdeen, 4; Partick Thistle, 1.

Aberdeen Journal, Monday, 31st December, 1894

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