Long before under soil heating was installed at Pittodrie the old ground was the venue for some memorable festive clashes where the elements played a big part in the proceedings…

One of the more bizarre games in the festive period came in 1984 when the Dons game with St Johnstone at Pittodrie was abandoned at half time. Our picture shows the officials leaving the pitch. The Dons had been in fine form as they looked to stretch their lead at the top of the league. The Perth club had no answer to the Aberdeen bombardment during the first period. The highlight was a superb volley from Eric Black as the Dons strolled in to a 3-0 half time lead. The only respite for the visitors was when the weather intervened—a severe snow blizzard swept across the north east causing havoc which in turn cut the power supply throughout Aberdeen. Pittodrie was shrouded into darkness as the large crowd were told that the game had to be abandoned. There were surreal surroundings as the area was covered in snow and in total darkness but this caused no little concern as the crowd made their way out of the stadium. However many then realized they were not getting home that night as roads to the north were blocked. Northsound Radio, which had only started three years earlier, really come into its own as appeals were put over the airwaves to help find accommodation for stranded fans in the city. Those who decided to go to the pub instead landed up having a pint under candle light! While it was tough on the supporters it was also the same for young Eric Black whose superb goal was one that never was.

These days of course such a situation would be unlikely to happen given that consideration is given to the surrounding area and condition of the roads. This was never taken in to consideration back in those days. While it was hard enough for the Dons and their supporters, spare a thought for some of the visiting teams who had to endure an often nightmare trip back home. One such instance happened to the Morton players and officials who made the trip north in 1978. While the Greenock side managed a shock 2-1 win over the Dons the journey back home was fraught with troubles as the bus broke down and the Greenock side had to contend with blocked roads and icy conditions. The Morton party eventually made their way home in the early hours of the next morning, some 13 hours after they left Aberdeen.

Then again, at least the Forth Road Bridge was open in those days.