After such a good start to the season it was disappointing to see the boys receive their first defeat by, not so much an Albion team, but an Albion player.

This little forward reminded me of Jinky Johnstone of Scotland, Maradona of Argentina, Zola of Italy and Trevileno Bootho of Inverurio ( in my heyday of course!) I remember one manager comparing me to a cross between Kenny Dalglish and Billy Dodds. "Fast feet with a great shot?" I enquired. "No", he said. "I meant more like Ken Dodds!" He weaved his magic coming in from wide right again and again to punish Dyce’s defence for just sticking out a leg instead of  putting their whole body into the tackle. A tough lesson but one learned by the third period.

So, lets have a flashback to 10.15 and relive the highs and lows of our visit to Harlaw…….

Again the usual parents and grandparents started to arrive. I, again, was second on the scene to Liam’s granddad. No matter what time I arrive he’s always there first. When pointed out to Donna she looked around and said "He doesn’t live in a camper does he?" "Well he does have a lot of worldly stories" I replied.

Out ran the boys for their warm up followed by the two Marks. Ryan was wearing his new personalized boots with "R.BOOTH 7" embroidered on the front of each. This fact was spotted by big Mark C. who came over and announced "I like the wee man's boots, reminds me of a pair my da personalized for me when I was about 14." As quick as lightning Brad's dad Stuart said "I don't think putting on RIGHT and LEFT is quite the same idea"  "Aye you're maybe right there" said Mark, as he walked away, looking at his feet trying to remember which one his dad had written "left" on.

So to the game. Starting line up - Nathan, Angus, Cammy (from the other team but very welcome), Brad, Liam, Craig and Ryan. Subs Doodsy and Ethan. Missing today were Ben (playing tennis, I ask you) Matty and Dylan.

The game kicked off with Angus making his first start to the season, and, on this showing, will be difficult to remove. There was an early chance for Albion with a shot fizzing by. It was as early as this that we had our first serious injury.  Mark G. had stuck his finger right into his eye and was doubled up on the side line.

"What happened there?" asked Craig's dad. "He was picking his nose and his finger missed and went right into his eye, I watched the whole thing" said Sharon. Angus’s mum looked in total shock as she piped up "I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO MISS A NOSE THAT BIG!" Everyone nodded.

Dyce settled well after this and looked the stronger during the early exchanges. Craig was getting about and seemed enjoy proving that he was one that got away from Albion that shouldn’t have. And it was down to a three man move involving Craig that led to the first goal. Angus picked up the ball at the back and looked up before sending a great ball down the line to Craig, who used his strength to pass his marker before slipping the ball through to Ryan. He skipped past his defender and slotted the ball past the diving keeper. 1-0 DYCE and everything looking rosy.

Unfortunately it wasn’t long before, after an untidy scramble in the Dyce box, Albion pulled it back to 1-1.

At this stage the boys were still looking in control with Brad everywhere and breaking up move after move. Angus, who was looking super solid at the back, then took a nasty boot in the face. After a quick 15 seconds on the side line, and with his lipstick reapplied, he was back in action.

Good play followed by Dyce - a great solid tackle by Brad was followed up by a great run from Ryan which went for a corner. From this a firm shot from Bradley was blocked before Craig shot wide. Then some good work from Liam down the left who by his start to the season was quite quiet. But to his credit everything seemed to be going down the right in this period.

Then the wonder winger started for Albion. 1-2,1-3 followed some of the best wing play seen at this level for a long time. Dyce had numerous chances to stop him but he was too quick and the period came to an end.

First period 1 - 3

It was then that Liam’s granddad did his Victor Meldrew impersonation "I DON’T BELIEVE IT" he squeaked. To be quite honest neither could I  -- COFFEE yes I say COFFEE—At last one of the glamorous WAMs had taken the hint and had coffee, tea, milk, sugar and even biscuits! Donna, Brad’s WAM, had done us proud. It’s all very well having the best looking set of WAMs on your side of the pitch but you can’t beat a bit of home comfort on a nippy day.

Doodsy on for Liam and again Dyce had the early pressure. Football can be so cruel and this was proved by Albion’s fourth goal. During the last two weeks no one has done more than Nathan to keep the opposition's goals down to only one in two games before today. An awkward bouncing ball was missed by Nathan to allow Albion their fourth. Nathan looked devastated bending over with his head in his hands.   1-4.

The following 15 minutes then showed what a close and exciting game this was. After a lot of fighting play by Dyce, Craig struck to take the score back to 2-4.

Minutes later Ryan had what would have been goal of the season very well saved. As the cross came in Ryan shaped himself and connected with a superb overhead kick. How the keeper saved no one's quite sure. Not to be denied Ryan then headed in from the resulting corner to take the score back to 3-4.  GAME ON.

At this point Dyce were well in the driving seat with Brad and Craig both going close. Cameron and Angus now had the measure of the Albion attackers and there were not so many scares as earlier. Brad was still driving the midfield and seemed to have won the battle in midfield again. More great work by Craig resulted in a good cross which was met by Doodsy to bring the game level at 4-4. Boy was this exciting! "OOOO I’m sweating" said Craig’s dad which summed up the tense atmosphere on the side line.

Second period over 4 - 4

This was certainly a game of three thirds with the game being turned on its head once again. Ethan on to give Ryan a rest after non stop chasing and Liam back on for the hard working Craig.

The period started with a super save by Nathan and a skilful run by Liam who looked back in the mood. Albion were now starting to drive at Dyce and were only kept at bay by some great tackling by Cammy and quick thinking by Angus. Ethan battled away up front closing down defenders before being replaced by Ryan.

A corner for Dyce saw Ryan perform a trademark turn to force another corner. After some more good work from the team Ryan was sidelined after a rash swipe which caught him on the back of the knee. Ryan hobbled back on just in time to see the turning point in the game as Albion took the lead 4-5.

A freekick for Albion saw them take a 4-6 lead. Craig came back on for Cammy and was sent up front to try to reverse the flow of play. Dyce forced forward again with a Brad shot being saved after a good lay off from Ryan. Albion went further ahead after a quick breakaway. 4-7.

Liam was now showing the form that has served him well this season with one of the best runs of the game before getting in a shot which again was well saved . Angus was now at the back on his own and broke up two Albion attacks with solid tackling and intelligent awareness. There was time for one last effort by Brad before the final whistle.

ALBION 7  DYCE 4

This was a great exciting game played by two of the strongest teams in this age group. Both teams should be given full credit for producing a high tempo game that had all parents (and grandparents) and coaches at the edge of their sidelines. Thanks again to Cammy for stepping in and helping. Credit should also be given to the two Marks who shuffled the pack and got the best out of everyone on the day. We all hope Mark’s eye makes a full recovery and someone takes tissues for his nose in time for the next game.

Team - Nathan, Angus, Cameron, Liam, Bradley, Craig, Ryan, Calum and Ethan

Coaches - the 2 Mark`s