Spain Park, Banks O'Dee
Spain Park is home to Banks O'Dee, one of the top North Region Junior league sides. I've been there a few times including games where Banks O'Dee have been playing Buckie Thistle, Banchory and Cove Rangers. The most recent one was the game against Cove Rangers in the Aberdeenshire Shield. Cove were looking to get back to winning ways and increase some confidence in the squad who have been lacking some. Also they see this as some silverwear to add to the Aberdeenshire Cup they have already won this season. I came to this game with my good friends Jordan and Matty and also with my dad and brother. 
The game started and the majority of possession was with Cove, creating numerous chances but unable to convert. Was this not to be their day? It didn't look like it but Dee took the lead through a lack of concentration in the Cove defence, allowing a through ball to Nick Gray and the impressive forward's shot went passed the advancing Greg Sim. A bit of a downhearter for the Cove debutant but the lead lasted about 5 minutes before a Steve Tosh shot was parried to Calum Watson and he made no mistake in finishing. Now Cove were playing even better and good play saw Daniel Park finish with his head after some good play down the left flank. 2-1 at half time and there was more to come.
Calum Watson got his 2nd of the game 5 minutes into the 2nd half from a tight angle. He turned away from his opponent and hit the ball into the roof of the net from the left hand side of the goal, good finish and he was having an excellent game. There was controversy in the Banks O'Dee defence as a cross came in and everyone thought both Calum Watson and Martin Johnston were offside. Calum left the ball and Martin poked the ball in off the post to get his name on the score sheet. Dickinson, the Banks O'Dee keeper, didn't even make an attempt to save it as he was so sure Martin was offside, as did the rest of the crowd and players. But no flag and 4-1 was now the score. Eric Watson, brother of Calum, was unlucky not to score with a cheeky backheal which was cleared off the line. He was however, not to be denied a second time as he rose above everyone to head home from a corner to finish the scoring at 5-1. A good performance from Cove and now they go on to play Deveronvale in the next round.
Spain Park's main stand is small but unique. There are 2 sets of staircases which lead up to about 100 dark blue seats which have an excellent viewing of the play. One of the best views you will get in football. The only problem is a floodlight in front of the stand but you don't notice it that much if your focusing on the game. Also the pies here are magnificent and very tasty, definitely worth trying if you come to Spain Park.
