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.
| Organising body | ADFA / HFL |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1948 |
| Abolished | 1950 |
| Region |  Highlands and Aberdeen |
| Number of teams | 2 |
| Last champions | Aberdeen (3rd title) |
| Most successful club(s) | Aberdeen (3 titles) |
History
editAberdeen first suggested the idea in February 1948, which received the backing of the Highland League.[1] The SFA secretary, Mr G. Graham, had the competition rules drawn up.[1]
The same format as the Mitchell Cup was used (Aberdeen played Dundee on a home and away basis).[1] The League president, Mr J. Riggs, supported this format.[1]
Pittodrie hosted the first game and a Highland League stadium had the return match.[2] The trophy was presented by the Express' Saturday newspaper, the Green Final.[2]
Selection for the Highland League representative team was kept simple.[3] Each league club was asked to nominate suitable players from their own team.[3]
In 1948–49, Caledonian FC faced a heavy league programme so no players were released for the Pittodrie match.[4]
In 1949–50, the Highland League were forced to make player alterations for the second leg.[5] Bruce (Caley keeper) withdrew for personal reasons. Wilson and Hope of Elgin City were replaced by Baird and MacDonald of Fort George.[5]
No competition took place in 1950–51.[6] Both parties never agreed on a suitable date for the opening match.[6]
Results
edit| 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 | [7][8] |
| 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 | [9][10] |
| Highland League XI | 0–1 | Aberdeen | Gibson | Grant Street Park | 5,600 | ||
| Trophy shared. Highland League XI and Aberdeen tied 1–1 on aggregate.[11] | |||||||
| 1949–50 | Aberdeen | 6–2 | Highland League XI | Baird, Hamilton (2), Hather (2), Yorston; Donnachie, Mitchell | Pittodrie | [12][13] | |
| 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
edit- ^ a b c d "DONS SUGGEST GAME WITH HIGHLAND XI". Press and Journal. 24 February 1948. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ a b "Dates Fixed for Dons' Games with Select". Press and Journal. 15 March 1948. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ a b "Dons In a Cut-throat Duel With Morton". Press and Journal. 19 March 1948. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Highland XI. to Meet Dons". Press and Journal. 30 March 1949. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ a b "'NEW' SELECT WILL FIGHT BACK". Press and Journal. 5 May 1950. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ a b "Hold-up In Caledonia Trophy Games". Evening Express. 4 May 1951. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Caledonia Trophy First Leg, 1947–48".
"Caledonia Trophy Second Leg, 1947–48". AFC Back Office. Retrieved 18 July 2021. - ^ "DASHING HIGHLAND XI. OUT OF LUCK". 22 April 1948.
"HIGHLAND STRONGER NEXT SEASON". 26 April 1948. Press and Journal. Retrieved 18 July 2021. (via) British Newspaper Archive. - ^ "Caledonia Trophy First Leg, 1948–49".
"Caledonia Trophy Second Leg, 1948–49". AFC Back Office. Retrieved 18 July 2021. - ^ "ONE UP FOR THE HIGHLAND SELECT XI". Press and Journal. 25 April 1949 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Highlands Hope Third Time Lucky". Press and Journal. 26 April 1950. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Caledonia Trophy First Leg, 1949–50".
"Caledonia Trophy Second Leg, 1949–50". AFC Back Office. Retrieved 18 July 2021. - ^ "DONS' BIG LEAD". Dundee Courier. 27 April 1950.
"Highland XI. Tried Wrong Tactics". Press and Journal. 27 April 1950.
"CALEDONIA TROPHY PLAN MAY BE ALTERED". Press and Journal. 8 May 1950. Retrieved 18 July 2021. (via) British Newspaper Archive.