McDiarmid Park, St Johnstone
My first visit to McDiarmid Park was one to remember for the Saint’s fans. This game was a Europa League second qualifying round 2nd leg match against Norway’s Rosenborg BK. The first leg had ended in a surprising 1-0 win for St Johnstone who were big underdogs when the tie was made. Having won the first leg, all St Johnstone needed to do was get a draw, but it is never as easy as it sounds in football. My Journey to McDiarmid Park started at 15.49 in Stonehaven, that is when the train left with me and my mates. We arrived in Perth at around 5.15 and were all starving, that is despite treating ourselves to hot drinks and lemon cakes from the trains catering trolley. First of all, we had to decide how to get to the stadium and where exactly it was. Thankfully, the use of google maps on my iphone was efficient enough in directing us to the pitch. We opted to walk our way to the game and on our travel; we came to two different paths to take. One which directed us to the stadium, and another which my maps decided was quicker. Regrettably we took the road that had the stadium signposted. As ridiculous as that sounds, the walk was a very long walk, one which I had later on had calculated to be 4 miles from the station to the stadium, we took the other route on the way back which was only 2 miles.
As we arrived at the stadium, we nipped into Tesco to get some food and drink before setting off into the ground. Outside there was a large queue to get into the East Stand which at first we joined, but later opted to go towards the North Stand which there were no queues at all. We paid for our entry but did not receive a ticket for a seat, meaning we had the option to pick our seats, which in my view is a great idea. We took 3 seats behind a long rail which allowed plenty of foot room and arm rest. The view was great and the East Stand was in full voice as the Choir of St Johnstone were singing their hearts out. The Players came out to the pitch and were given an excellent reception by the large 8000 ish crowd, nearly a full stadium. The atmosphere was terrific and all credit goes to those in the East Stand. The referee blew his whistle and the game had started.
The Large and noisy atmosphere was silenced however within the opening 4 minutes of play. Rosenborg’s Per Ronning hit a long ball up field which Frazer chose to let bounce. Wright was out beaten by Daniel Bernstein and Rosenborg gained possession. A good exchange of passes let in Alexander Soderlund who was making his debut. The debutant nicked into the box and slotted the ball across Alan Mannus’ goal to give Rosenborg the lead, or equaliser on aggregate. St Johnstone were shocked by such a quick start but they or nor the fans let it get to them and they marched on in search of an equaliser. Within the opening 20 minutes St Johnstone had created 4 corners, 1 of which provided a great chance for Wright, but his header was too soft for any sort of threat. However on 21 minutes, David Wotherspoon struck a long ball behind the Rosenborg back four, which looked to have been easy to deal with by Orlund or the keeper, but Stevie May nipped in between the pair and stuck a toe out in the hope of making contact. Remarkably it did and what a beauty of a touch as the ball lifted over the keeper and crept into the bottom corner. The Saints fans roared and the players went wild, as did the fans, what a fantastic goal out of nothing. They could even have taken the lead in the game when another through ball by Wotherspoon was met by Hasselbaink, but his effort fell to the wrong side of the post just before half time.
The second half provided very little in attack for the home side, which proved to be a very nervous half of football. The last 20 minutes in particular were agonising. Wotherspoon was providing many great crosses but they seemed to evade everyone including the Rosenborg defence. The Norwegians were becoming desperate and a lot of their shots, including 1 from Mikkelsen were finding the back of the North Stand, much to the delight of the home supporters. Alan Mannus produced a great save late on from Nielsen whose attempt was curling into the top corner, but for the hands of the Saint’s keeper. The away sides last and probably best chance fell to Jon Inge Hoiland who found the ball drop to him 2 yards from goal. The forward poked the ball towards goal but hit the chest of the keeper and the chance was wasted. With 4 minutes to go the tension was building especially when Saint’s had the opportunity to break on the wing but had lost possession in midfield. The referee finally put everyone out of their misery and blew for full time which provided a historical result for the Scottish team. 
After the game the players and fans gave each other a well earned round of applause. I couldn’t fault any Saint’s player for the work rate, as each of them gave it their all. The fans also played their part, signing as much as they could and spurring the team on for a fantastic result. St Johnstone are now just two rounds away from the group stages and what an achievement that could be. I really enjoyed my first visit here at McDiarmid Park, and my pals even suggested coming back for the next round tie.
