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.

Caledonia Trophy
Organising bodyADFA / HFL
Founded1948; 76 years ago (1948)
Abolished1950; 74 years ago (1950)
RegionScotland Highlands and Aberdeen
Number of teams2
Last championsAberdeen (3rd title)
Most successful club(s)Aberdeen (3 titles)

History

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Aberdeen 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

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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

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  1. ^ a b c d "DONS SUGGEST GAME WITH HIGHLAND XI". Press and Journal. 24 February 1948. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  2. ^ a b "Dates Fixed for Dons' Games with Select". Press and Journal. 15 March 1948. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  3. ^ a b "Dons In a Cut-throat Duel With Morton". Press and Journal. 19 March 1948. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  4. ^ "Highland XI. to Meet Dons". Press and Journal. 30 March 1949. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  5. ^ a b "'NEW' SELECT WILL FIGHT BACK". Press and Journal. 5 May 1950. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  6. ^ a b "Hold-up In Caledonia Trophy Games". Evening Express. 4 May 1951. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  7. ^ "Caledonia Trophy First Leg, 1947–48".
    "Caledonia Trophy Second Leg, 1947–48". AFC Back Office. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  8. ^ "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.
  9. ^ "Caledonia Trophy First Leg, 1948–49".
    "Caledonia Trophy Second Leg, 1948–49". AFC Back Office. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  10. ^ "ONE UP FOR THE HIGHLAND SELECT XI". Press and Journal. 25 April 1949 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  11. ^ "Highlands Hope Third Time Lucky". Press and Journal. 26 April 1950. Retrieved 18 July 2021 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  12. ^ "Caledonia Trophy First Leg, 1949–50".
    "Caledonia Trophy Second Leg, 1949–50". AFC Back Office. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  13. ^ "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.
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