Scottish Football Journey

Ian Mair Park, Dyce Juniors

The game I attended at Ian Mair Park was a match between Dyce under 16s V Erskine Youth under 16s in the Scottish Cup semi final at juvenile level. I wanted to take this opportunity to visit this ground not only to add to my collection, but to support Dyce because I know a couple of their players from my school. I've passed this ground a few times whilst going up to Turriff or Banff for Highland League games but this was my first time actually visiting the pitch itself.

There was quite a decent crowd at the game. About 100 cars were parked outside the ground and a bus for the travelling team too. It was strange having to pay for a juvenile game but since it was only £1 and a Scottish Cup semi, there was nothing to complain about. The pitch was looking flat and in good condition and the weather was slightly raining with a bit of sun sneaking out behind the clouds, perfect conditions from a player's point of view. There was also a barrier surrounding the pitch for fans to lean on. It was a bit low down so you could only place your hands on it or bend really low, which is uncomfortable. The majority of the fans were standing next to the pie shop which was situated underneath an enclosure. This was attached to the back of the main pavilion.

The game started with Erskine having the majority of possession but not creating many chances. Their build up play was good but Daniel Tootill was collecting a lot of over hit balls that defenders Jack McIntosh and Stuart Close were leaving for him. About 15-20 minutes into the game Dyce were gradually beginning to take control. Ollie McIntosh was sent through but his left foot shot went over the bar. The impressive Callum Yule was causing Erksine's defence all sorts of problems with his trickery skills. He had a good chance to play Ollie through on goal but went for goal himself and didn't cause Ryan MacAllister any problems. Dyce's next best chance was when Jack played a great ball over the Erkine defence and his brother, Ollie, thought he'd scored when he put the ball past the advancing MacAllister but it was cleared off the line. Finally Dyce did score through Thomas Robertson. The ball dropped to him at the back post and he managed to get a touch to just send it over the line. No complaints from Erksine so it must have crossed the line. The goal sparked wild celebrations from the Dyce team and their bench. Dyce managed to hold out the half to keep the score in their favour.

Second half started and you could tell Erskine had been given some big words from their coach. They were really working hard to get an equaliser but still didn't manage to trouble Daniel Tootill. Jack and Stuart were proving to be quite solid at the back. Stuart was looking very comfortable on the ball, comfortable enough to take on a few strikers before releasing the ball. Erskine's first chance came through their number 8, Adam Forde, whose left foot shot looked to be heading top left corner but Daniel made an excellent diving save. Erskine pushed and pushed and at last the Glaswegian team scored from a corner. A really good header from Jordan Verrecchia at the back post levelled things up. His celebration really can't be explained it was really crazy. He must have ran about 60 yards in all sorts of directions with pumping fists. This seemed to spark Erskine on and it looked as if they were heading on to win the tie. They were using Kyle Docherty and Adam Forde as their man threats on the left wing to try and trouble the Dyce defence but that final goal was just not to come as the ref blew for extra time.

Extra time consisted of two ten minute halves with both teams knackered but were going to give their all for the last 20 minutes of play. First half was just constant pressure from Erskine and Dyce looked too tired to push forward. Substitute Lewis Michie was running his socks off but wasn't able to keep the ball in control. The second half was to produce the winning goal. From a corner came the tall Cameron Buchan who bulleted the ball home with his head and sent the Dyce team into more wild celebrations. Erskine were gutted and began to get too frustrated that they lost any respect they had for Dyce when they and their fans were moaning at the ref, linesman and the Dyce team for the majority of fouls Dyce were winning and for the amount of injuries play had to be stopped for. Dyce went onto to hold their lead and win the game 2-1. Now it is off to Airdrie's Excelsior stadium to play either Ferry Athletic or Hutchison Vale in the final.