The Caledonia Trophy was a short-lived Scottish football competition between Division A club Aberdeen and a Highland League select team. The two-legged competition lasted for three seasons.
History
Aberdeen first suggested the idea in February 1948, which received the backing of the Highland League. The SFA secretary, Mr G. Graham, had the competition rules drawn up.
The same format as the Mitchell Cup was used (Aberdeen played Dundee on a home and away basis). The League president, Mr J. Riggs, supported this format.
Pittodrie hosted the first game and a Highland League stadium had the return match. The trophy was presented by the Express''' Saturday newspaper, the Green Final''.
Selection for the Highland League representative team was kept simple. Each league club was asked to nominate suitable players from their own team.
In 1948–49, Caledonian FC faced a heavy league programme so no players were released for the Pittodrie match.
In 1949–50, the Highland League were forced to make player alterations for the second leg. Bruce (Caley keeper) withdrew for personal reasons. Wilson and Hope of Elgin City were replaced by Baird and MacDonald of Fort George.
No competition took place in 1950–51. Both parties never agreed on a suitable date for the opening match.
Results
Season Home team Score Away Team Scorers Venue Att Ref 1947–48 Aberdeen 4–0 Highland League XI McLaughlin, Kelly (2), McKenna Pittodrie 9,000 AFC Back Office. Retrieved 18 July 2021. Press and Journal. Retrieved 18 July 2021. (via) British Newspaper Archive. Highland League XI 2–4 Aberdeen Willox, Day; Stenhouse, Baird, Kelly, McLaughlin Grant Street Park 5,000 Aberdeen beat Highland League XI 8–2 on aggregate. 1948–49 Aberdeen 0–1 Highland League XI Mackenzie Pittodrie 8,000 AFC Back Office. Retrieved 18 July 2021. Highland League XI 0–1 Aberdeen Gibson Grant Street Park 5,600 Trophy shared. Highland League XI and Aberdeen tied 1–1 on aggregate. 1949–50 Aberdeen 6–2 Highland League XI Baird, Hamilton (2), Hather (2), Yorston; Donnachie, Mitchell Pittodrie AFC Back Office. Retrieved 18 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021. (via) British Newspaper Archive. Highland League XI 0–6 Aberdeen Hather (2), Glen, Yorston Stenhouse, Crosbie (o.g.) Borough Briggs Aberdeen beat Highland League XI 12–2 on aggregate.
References
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