Dyce Boys Club F.C. Aberdeen |
Under 14s - Match Report |
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Dyce BC 2 - 0 Gleniffer Thistle 4th December 2005 At Ian Mair Park Scottish Cup 4th Round Dyce Boys Club’s answer to the Beechgrove Gardeners, better known as Les, Alan and Alex, did a remarkable job in getting the pitch ready and it was in immaculate condition for the visit of “buddies” from Paisley, Gleniffer Thistle B.C. Gleniffer were able to boast an identical 100% record, sitting proudly atop the Paisley and District League, and so it was to be an afternoon when something had to give. The manner in which Dyce roared into action suggested that they had emerged with a determination that they were in no mood to be the fall guys and besieged the visitor’s goal from the off with Cameron Gray and Jonathan Clark providing the home side with very effective width. It was therefore no great surprise when the opening goal arrived after 6 minutes. But what a goal it was, a thing of beauty and a joy forever. Ritchie Lawrence intelligently made a run into space from his right back berth and Andy Macaskill slipped a free kick from the left into Ritchie’s path. The ball was smartly transferred to Cammy, lurking on the right, and his inch perfect cross was attacked with venom by DALE CROWDER, headed into the net before the Gleniffer keeper had a chance to move. Buoyed up by this early success Dyce poured forward and came close to extending their lead courtesy of Stuart Armstrong, who had a terrific game in the free role ahead of the midfield, and Dale, whose carved out an opening for himself after some inventive play. Gradually, however, the visitors forced their way into the game with their skilful centre forward, Ross Brodie, proving a handful for the Dyce defence. The pressure intensified when Gleniffer forced three corners in succession and there was collective sigh of relief from the Dyce camp when the ball was eventually cleared. After 25 minutes the Paisley side had a penalty claim turned down when one of their attackers went to ground in the box when tackled by Kieran Heads. From the Dyce dug out it looked a legitimate challenge albeit one that might have been viewed somewhat differently if it been at the other end of the field. As the clocked ticked towards half time Dyce began to regain supremacy but without seriously looking like extending their lead. HALF TIME DYCE 1 GLENIFFER THISTLE 0 Straight from the restart Dyce took the game by the scruff of the neck although it was an inspired substitution by the hard working and modest management quartet that swung the balance strongly in the Dyce’s favour. Cameron Gray had, as always, fought like a tiger but frequently came up against a brick wall, or at least a Gleniffer left back with a similar physique. The arrival of Harley Strachan posed the defender brand new problems. Sadly Harley only lasted a mere fifteen minutes before retiring with a knee injury. But what fifteen minutes. From the moment he appeared on the field he tore at the opposition, terrorising them through a combination of pace, power and skill and, after getting behind their defence, slung over a string of inviting crosses which unfortunately failed to result in an extension to Dyce’s advantage due to a combination of misdirected scoring efforts and some desperate defending. The second goal that Dyce’s play warranted duly arrived, however, when Dale, who put in a tremendous hard working shift as the sole striker, slipped a ball into the path of the onrushing HARLEY STRACHAN. Harley carried it forward before slipping it clinically past the on-rushing goalkeeper. Shortly afterwards the scorer departed to a deserved standing ovation from the Dyce assembled masses (yes I know everyone was already standing but you get my drift) to be replaced by Lewis Knight who made a telling contribution to the closing stages, once again displaying his silky passing abilities. To give credit to Gleniffer they never gave up but their attacks floundered on the rocks of the well marshalled Dyce back four of Ritchie Lawrence, Adam Morrison, Kieran Heads and Jordan McMenemy whose combined efforts gave Murray Kinnaird a relatively quiet return to active duty following his arm break. Mind you the defence were well supported by the hard working midfielders, with Ryan Robertson once again in outstanding form. The afternoon was completed with a visit to the Glenburn where we had a chance to chew the fat (and a hot dog and chips) with the visitors who took their reverse with good grace and sportsmanship while the behaviour of their boys both on and off the pitch was exemplary and a credit to the club. All at Dyce would like to extend best wishes to Gleniffer Thistle for the rest of their season.Les, Alan, Alex, Mike |