Ellon United 1 - Dyce Juniors 1 (1st August 2007)

We have started the season reasonable well with 7 points from 9 in the Grill Cup. The first match was at the Meadows against Ellon Utd, and was an evenly contested affair. Jordan Milne gave Dyce the lead early on with a 25 yard free kick which flew into the top corner, with Gunn equalising for the home side shortly after with a curling effort from the edge of the box. We missed a couple of glaring chances before the break which could have put us in a comfortable position, and there was not much between the sides in the second period. There was no further scoring and a draw was about the right result.

Glentaner 0 - Dyce Juniors 1 (4th August 2007)

Next up on Saturday was another away game, this time at Glentanar. This was a match of few chances with both sides struggling to create anything clearcut, although there was plenty of drama in the closing stages. With the game having 0-0 written all over it El Tel Jamieson was bundled over in the box with 6 minutes to go and we were awarded a penalty. Dazzy Lewis stepped up but McDonald saved his effort and made an even better save from Ginger's follow up. However two minutes later we secured 3 points when Tel broke through and scored.

Dyce Juniors 1 - Buchanhaven Hearts 0 (7th August 2007)

On Tuesday we played our first home game of the season against Buchanhaven Hearts. The Peterhead side have been on a roll, they were unbeated in their last 15 games of last season and had won their opening two of the current campaign. Beaner scored just before the break after good build up play from Neishy in the box afetr he collected the ball from te's throw. Only Tel could explain why he ended up face down on the turf after taking a shy! Hearts had a great chance in the second when Webby was penalised for tugging in the box but Buckley made a tremendous save from Ballard's spot kick. Overall we did enough to merit the narrow win although there is still plenty room for improvement!

Stonehaven 3 - Dyce 1 (11th August 2007)

We lost our unbeaten record going down 3-1 to Stonehaven at Glenury Park. We started well enough with Simmy setting up Tel Jamieson who cut inside a defender, rounded the keeper and rolled the ball in. Luck deserted us after that and we soon found ouselves behind. First, Hive were awarded a free kick 25 yards out and Greens effort seemed well coverde by Mark Kerr but the ball took a wicked deflection and flew into the opposite corner. Then Robertson played a ball wide to Robb who was a couple of yards offside, the he played in a low cross to Foy who was also offside. Somehow the linesman missed both and the Stoney striker netted from close in. The second period was a tight affair, but the home side wrapped up the points with ten minutes left when a low cross was steered in by Pirie. Other results in the group mean that its still all to play for with most teams in the section still in with a shout of qualification.

Stoneywood 0 - Dyce 3 (14th August 2007)

After the awful display at Stonehaven we got back to winning ways at Polo Park on Tuesday night against Stoneywood. We dominated the opening half hour and should have been comfortably ahead but shots went wide, were deflected over, were well saved by Grant and were cleared off the line. As the half wore on the home side played some tidy football at times without really troubling Tony in goal. We killed the game off eraly in the second half with three goals in the opening 13 minutes. Firstly Skinner knocked the ball down to big Neishy who bundled the ball in. Eight minutes later Skinner was again the provider has his cross was well headed home by Zander. Just three more minutes went by and we got the third when Neishy crossed for Callum Lyon to head in from close range. We created several other chances and could have scored a few more, although we slacked off a bit towards the end when passes started to go astray Stoneywood had a spell on the attack but without over working Tony. Over all it was a big improvement on the shambles at Stonehaven and a result which moves us up to second in the group.

Dyce 3 - Parkvale 1 (18th August 2007)

We remained in the hunt for qualification to the knockout stages of the Grill Cup with victory over Parkvale on a miserable afternoon at Ian Mair Park. We started well enough with Neishy having a shot cleared off the line and Zander shooting wide from close range from an inswinging corner. Vale battled back though and Dazzy Lewis had to block a McLeod shot after Tony failed to collect a high cross. Just before the half hour we got our noses in front when Neishy crashed in a 30 yarder which flew past Butler into the roof of the net. Vale almost drew level quickly afterwards when McLeod burst past two defenders into the box and looked certain to score until Tony made an excellent blocking tackle at his feet. Skinner almost added a third when he volleyed over, and the half ended with Stevie Mur, Webby and Vale's Fuller all being booked within minutes of each other. Vale started the second half well and McLeod went down the left and his low cross was converted by ex-Dyce man Scotty Craig to level matters. We soon got back on the front foot and Aggie went round the keeper and fired narrowly wide, Lee Milne headed over and Butler saved well from Neishy. Eventually on 82 minutes we were ahead again when Zander crossed to Neishy and the former Vale striker volleyed in his second against his old side. Two minutes later it was game over when Davidson rounded Butler and netted, meaning that all four goals were scored by players playing against their former clubs. The result means that victory in our final group game at home to Hillhead will see us through to the knockout stages. Anything else and we will have to rely on other results going our way.

Sunnybank 0 - Dyce 1 (22nd August 2007)

We opened our league campaign with a superb away win against a Sunnybank side fancied by many to take the title from Culter this season. Lee Milne almost opened the scoring with a header from 40 yards following a poor clearance from home keeper Sweeney but the ball bounced agonisingly wide. Midway through the half we got our noses in front when big Neishy beat Sweeney to a Dazzy Lewis free kick and headed into the bottom corner. Tony had to get down well to turn a Reid shot behind for a corner but apart from that he wasn't really troubled too much. The second half started with Fettes heading a corner wide for the home side, then Tattie McHattie went on a lung bursting sprint through the middle, played a one two with Zander but by the time the ball reached him his legs had given up on him and Thomson got in a clearing challenge. Zander should have added a second when he went clean through on Sweeney but his lob went well wide. Bank continued to have plenty posession but again Tony wasn't forced into any action and the longer the game went on the more likely we looked to grab a second as on several occasions we were in great attacking positions but the final pass let us down. All in all it was a great three points to get the league season off to the best possible start.

Dyce 1 - Hillhead 1 (25th August 2007)

We battled through to the knockout phase of the League Cup after picking up the required point at Ian Mair Park against Hillhead. We did it the hard way though as we had to play the best part of an hour with 10 men following the sending off of Neishy just after the half hour. The game opened at a slow pace with neither side creating much. Lornie headed wide for Hillhead and Beaner had a low left foot shot held by Farquhar, and well hmm that was about it for the opening 20 minutes. Shortly afterwards we almost took the lead with the best move of the game to that point as Davidson did well to create space at the edge of the box and squared the ball to Callum Lyon but the midfielders first time shot went just wide. Then came the flashpoint of the half when Neishy walked. His ankle was a mess of stud marks following a hefty challenge from one of the visistors, and when he went in on Stuart ref Northcroft showed him a straight red. The match reporter (to avoid any controversy!) was too far away to see the challenge very well, but seldom has a red card come out of a referee's pocket as quickly as that. The tackle wasn't even finished and Northcroft was sprinting over like Linford Christie with the card in the air! Being a man short didn't seem to affect us though and we should have taken the lead when Davidson was clean through in the final minute of the half but somehow shot wide.
We started the second half on the front foot and both Tattie and Zander saw long distance efforts go wide, then 9 mins in we were in front. Davidson beat his man out wide and fired in a teasing cross. We had players queueing up to score and it was Callum Lyon who got his nut to the ball first and placed a header into the bottom corner. Greg Davidson then went round the keeper but was forced wide and couldn't finish to give us a more comfortabe lead. The visitors then came back into the game and had a good spell of pressure, although all efforts went high, wide and wider still until Tony had to make a tremendous save from a Stephen header. Lyon headed clear the corner and got thumped in the back but play was waved on which was a bit of a pity as when the ball was played in again there was a slight tug (allegedly!) in the box and Hillhead had a penalty. McKENZIE took the kick and only just beat Tony who got his hands to the ball. So with 20 mins to go it was game on with Hillhead knowing another goal would see them through at our expense. Despite plenty posession they didn't really trouble Tony again and it finished all square.

Dyce 0 - Hermes 1 (1st September 2007)

After our tremendous start to the league campaign with victory at Sunnybank it was back to earth with a bump after losing at home to Hermes. The visitors were walloped 5-1 at home by Formartine in their opening game but looked a better side than that in the early stages of this one. They appeared to be hungrier than us and first to the ball most of the time although they didn't force a save out of Tony. Despite Hermes having the bulk of the posession it was us who had the clearer chances, with Tattie almost scoring at the back post following a free kick. The ball was scrambled out for a corner and when it came in Zander's shot was cleared off the line. Davidson then crossed and Milne just failed to connect at the far post as we actually looked the more likelier team to score despite not playing well. Heremes then forced Tony into his first save of the game when Courage cut in from the right but TB tipped his shot over. We should have taken the lead right on half time when Milne's through ball found Skinner who was one on one with the keeper but he stumbled as he shot and Kessock blocked easily. The second half followed much the same pattern with the visitors looking well organised and certainly up for it, but we still continued to create and miss the better of the chances. Zander was clean through on Kessock but the keeper saved his effort on the hour and we were punished with 20 mins left as the ball was flicked on to Dawson just inside the penalty box and he thumped a great shot into the opposite corner for the opener. We still weren't playing that well but missed another great chance with 5 mins left when Aggie crossed to Skinner 8 yards out and he had a free header but it flew well over. It was a disappointing performance from us, although on chances we certainly should have taken something from the game.

Hall Russell 0 - Dyce 4 (8th September 2007)

We cruised through to the next round of the Inter Regional Cup with a comfortable win at Demnore against a very young Hall Russell side. The opening half was low key stuff and the only goal came on 25 minutes when a good move saw Tattie find Skinner wide on the left and he crossed for the ginger one Reid to head home. Other chances were created and missed before the break but soon after the interval we made the game safe when on 53 minutes a cross was fumbled by the keeper and Dillon volleyed home from close range. Dillon then put forward his case for the donkey t-shirt at training when his 25 yard shot flew out for a throw in. With 57 played the third goal arrived when a corner was firmly headed home by Skinner. We continued to dominate and added a fourth with quarter of an hour left when Reid nipped in ahead of Whifield at the edge of the box and beat Carroll in goal to complete the scoring.

Banks Of Dee 2 - Dyce 1 (15th September 2007)

We slumped to our second league defeat in a row in a tight game at Spain Park. We opened brightly enough and should have had a spot kick after just two minutes when Neishy turned in the bax and Glashan blocked the ball with his hand but play was waved on. Two minutes later we got our noses in front when Dazzy's long ball into the box was flicked on and Neishy beat Pennet to the ball and bundled it home. Taylor headed wide for the home side as they came back then Tony held a header from Carstairs. Skinner shot just over from a corner and then Tattie had to clear a header off the line as play went from end to end (although don't for a minute think it was thrill a minute stuff because it wasn't!). The 2nd period started controversially when home keeper Pennet picked up a passback from Allsop right in front of the linesman. Somehow he missed it and didn't flag to assist ref McNab and Pennet cleared down field and the ball fell for Brownhill who equalised. Dee enjoyed a good spell and Tony made a tremendous reflex save from Taylor and we held out and came more into the game again. A great move saw Reid square the ball to Zander who fired wide when he should have done better. Then with 15 minutes left Dee took the lead when a quickly taken free kick caught us sleeping at the back and Brownhill netted his second. There was still plenty of action to come though as Neishy had a great chance but Pennet saved well, then Dee were reduced to ten men when Smith went in showing his studs on Jordan and was given a straight red. We pushed forward with the extra man and in injury time should have won ourselves a point. Cooky burst through in the box and was taken down by Pennet - penalty. However Neishy never hit the ball well and Pennet saved. It was a scrappy game and we probably would have merited the point if the spot kick had gone in but it wasn't to be.

Dyce 2 - Formatine 1 (22nd September 2007)

We collected 3 excellent points with a well deserved win against a Formartine side who came to Ian Mair Park with a 100% league record and a goal difference showing 11 for and just 1 against. However we looked well up for it from the outset with Zander like a man posessed against his former club. We pressed early on and ex-Dyce keeper Rico had to be sharp off his line to gather the ball just ahead of Reid, then he raced out of his box and headed clear when Neishy was closing in on him. Shortly after he made a tremendous save from Reid, albeit the strikers effort seemed to come off his hand. Tattie was next to have a go and again Rico was equal to it with a great block. However 21 mins in he was unable to prevent us taking the lead when we were awarded a free kick for hand ball right at the edge of the box and up stepped ZANDER who slammed the ball into the corner. 12 mins later it was 2-0 with a simple yet brilliant goal. The ball was played wide to Zander on the right who took it on and crossed for the ginger one REID to sweep the ball home with a first time hit. Mark Kerr was playing in goal for the absent Tony and he had next to nothing to do as Formartine rarely threatened, the closest they came being the dangerous Beattie looking sharp but being caught by the linesman's lag on a couple of occasions.
The second half started badly......really badly. Visiting defender Burrows fouled Stevie Murray after only 30 seconds, who was given the free kick. God only knows what went through Stevie's head as he got up and stuck the heid into Burrows. Down he went with a bloody nose and ref Duncan had no option to to show a straight red leaving us to play the last 44 and a half minutes with 10 men. However we came closest to scoring again when Neishy was clean through after being set up by Zander but he pulled his shot wide. Midway through the half Formartine were given a lifeline when in the middle of a scramble they were awarded a penalty. BEATTIE slammed home the kick and it was game on. Despite the lift of this goal they didn't look likely to score again with Mark largely untroubled despite them having plenty posession, and in the end we should have nabbed a third when Skinner almost netted in the 90th minute. After numerous stoppages (mainly due to some peoples reluctance to retrieve balls from the sheep field next door!) an incredible 11 minutes of stoppage time was played but in the end we held out for a well deserved 3 points.

Turriff United 4 - Dyce 0 (29th September 2007)

Dull start to the game, in the fifth minute Reid lucky not to get booked for a rash challenge on Craib, 9 Mins gone, Duff floats over a corner only cleared as far as Mchattie who shots wide, from the resulting goal kick, Turriff win a free kick which is only cleared as far as HARRIS who shots low into Kerr's left hand corner. Free kick by Henderson well held by Kerr, 14 mins King not closed down early enough swings in a great cross which is volleyed home from 10 yards by MACKENZIE, Craib still suffering from the tackle by the ginger one is replaced by Wallace in the 25th min, Strong penalty claim on the half hour for Turiff waved away by ref Kerriagan. Dazzie can't continue still carrying the injury from training, replaced by Greg Davidson, reshuffle with Ross moving to centre defence and Greg out left, Henderson fouled at edge of box, Massie Shots through the wall and wide, Great cross by Duff, is Volleyed by Anderson from 8 yards and was well saved by Gray down to his left.
Kerr Saves well at second attempt after nearly doing an Arthur Boruc, 49 Mins long kick by Kerr missed by all apart from Reid who goes round the Gray, but cleared off the line for a corner, resulting corner by Duff is headed narrowly wide by the ginger one. A mix by Milne and Reid gives Harris a chance but shots wide, 53 mins Lyon is booked for only his 2nd challenge, Goal - short corner taking with Dyce defence caught unaware a brilliant cross by king is headed beyond Kerr by HENDERSON. Hour gone Munro off Chalmers on, Mchattie gets caught in midfield, Chalmers Plays the ball across for Harris who's shot is well saved by Kerr's legs. 75 mins on the clock and Turriff add another goal after a misjudgement by Kerr, HARRIS takes advantage by getting to the ball first and rolls the ball into an empty net. Anderson Booked for moaning at the ref (what's new there!!) two goal Hero for Turriff Harris is replaced by Macklin. Last action of the game sees Gray save Skinner's well-hit shot from 14 yards.

Parkvale 0 - Dyce 6 (6th October 2007)

We recorded our best ever Super League win on Saturday with a 6-0 defeat of struggling Parkvale at Findon. The first quarter hour was fairly uneventful but then on 17 minutes ex Dyce player Stuart WOOD put the ball into his own net from a Zander cross and we were ahead. 9 minutes later it was two when Reid thought his shot was creeping in but returning striker Roger Milla, sorry Alfie EDENE, nicked the goal by tapping it in from about an inch and a half. Cookie headed narrowly wide but Tony had to make a great save from Stewart to prevent Vale getting back into the game.
The second half was less than 2 minutes old when Alfie skinned the full back and his cross was turned in by home defender ESSLEMONT for the second OG of the day. 8 mins later Alf went on another mazy and set up REID who made it four, and quarter of an hour later the Ginger One returned the favour by setting up ALF to grab his second and our fifth. Not a lot happened for the rest of the game really, until with 5 mins left we grabbed a 6th when Zander crossed for SKINNER to head home.

Dyce 1 - Maud 3 (13th October 2007)

We suffered our second home loss of the season in the league after a woeful performance against Maud. We were down to the bare bones with Zander, Cookie, Stevie Murray, Willie Jack, Tel Jamieson, John Stalker, Aggie and Alfie Edene all missing for various reasons...it was so bad that Ally McG was listed as a sub! We opened the game ok and took the lead on 8 minutes when SKINNER took advantage of a short pass back and beat the keeper to the ball and his shot rolled into the net. Unfortunately the lead only lasted 7 minutes as Maud were awarded a dubious free kick at the edge of the box. There was nothing dubious about the finish though as DAVIDSON curled the ball home for the equaliser. The rest of the opening period saw both sides create half chances but nothing more and it was all level at the break. However shortly after the break we were in trouble as within 5 minutes we were two goals down. First a free kick was played into the box and LIGERTWOOD was allowed space to volley home. Two minutes later the visitors were awarded a penalty which McDONALD took. Tony did well to get down and block his effort but the Maud midfielder reacted quickest and netted from the rebound. Maud played out time well, with only a brief flurry of attack by Dyce when both Skinner and Neish were close to pulling a goal back, but both narrowly missed. It really was a dire performance with too many players having a total off day..it can only get better!

Arbroath Vics 2 - Dyce 1 (20th October 2007)

We tumbled out of the Regional Cup as two late goals saw us lose away to Arbroath Vics in a pretty dire game. The opening quarter hour saw little goalmouth action with neither keeper troubled then out of the blue on 16 minutes we took the lead when Zander whipped in a cross which found NEISH who volleyed goalwards. The keeper got a hand to the ball but couldn't prevent it going in. Just after the half hour there was controversy when Alfie raced through (looking a tad offside!!) and keeper Duncan charged out and blocked the ball with his hands a yard outside the box but play was waved on. Murray headed wide from a free kick as we looked to build on our lead but other than that there was nothing else of note happening. That was until just before half time when the Vics rather portly number 4 started having a go at Alfie and plyers from both sides threw their rattles out of the pram and there was a bit of handbags which resulted in their number 3 Wylie collecting a yellow, although the instigator Norrie escaped. Vics looked a bit more dangerous after the break and Bell should have done better than shoot weakly wide, before Alf did the same at the other end. Reid missed a great chance to make it two from a Hendo lay off and Duncan held a cheeky back heel from Hendo. A great save from Tony kept us ahead and at the other end Reid was nudged in the back going for a cross and was bizzarely booked for deliberate hand ball. At this point there were a few niggles going on with the afore mentioned portly no.4 doing his best to wind up Alfie. Duncan saved well from Neish on 74 minutes and a minute later we were made to pay when Murray failed to clear and McDOWELL slotted home the equaliser. There was more controversy 90 seconds later as Neish's shot was tipped on to the bar by Duncan and the ball appeared to bounce down behind the line. Alfie followed up to make sure but was deemed to be offside. With 10 to go Norrie (the portly one) was eventually booked for bad challenge on Alfie, then 60 seconds later escaped a 2nd yellow when Alf turned him at the edge of the baox and was hauled down again. To say Alf was wound up about the incident would be an understatement. With just 3 minutes left Vics grabbed the winner when Tony parried a free kick and in the resultant scramble FOTHERINGHAM netted. In the dying seconds Cookie was taken out but no free kick was awarded. Cook offered his opinion on the decision to the ref who in return offered him a red card, which was pretty ridiculous given that practically every player on the park had sworn at him during the course of the game without even a warning. There was still time for Beaner to hook a volley off the top of the bar but that was the last chance and out we went.

Arbroath Vics 2 - Dyce 1 (20th October 2007)

We tumbled out of the Regional Cup as two late goals saw us lose away to Arbroath Vics in a pretty dire game. The opening quarter hour saw little goalmouth action with neither keeper troubled, then out of the blue on 16 minutes we took the lead when Zander whipped in a cross which found NEISH who volleyed goalwards. The keeper got a hand to the ball but couldn't prevent it going in. Just after the half hour there was controversy when Alfie raced through (looking a tad offside!!) and keeper Duncan charged out and blocked the ball with his hands a yard outside the box but play was waved on. Murray headed wide from a free kick as we looked to build on our lead but other than that there was nothing else of note happening. That was until just before half time when the Vics rather portly number 4 started having a go at Alfie and players from both sides threw their rattles out of the pram and there was a bit of handbags which resulted in their number 3 Wylie collecting a yellow, although the instigator Norrie escaped. Vics looked a bit more dangerous after the break and Bell should have done better than shoot weakly wide, before Alf did the same at the other end. Reid missed a great chance to make it two from a Hendo lay off and Duncan held a cheeky back heel from Hendo. A great save from Tony kept us ahead and at the other end Reid was nudged in the back going for a cross and was bizzarely booked for deliberate hand ball. At this point there were a few niggles going on with the afore mentioned portly no.4 doing his best to wind up Alfie. Duncan saved well from Neish on 74 minutes and a minute later we were made to pay when Murray failed to clear and McDOWELL slotted home the equaliser. There was more controversy 90 seconds later as Neish's shot was tipped on to the bar by Duncan and the ball appeared to bounce down behind the line. Alfie followed up to make sure but was deemed to be offside. With 10 to go Norrie (the portly one) was eventually booked for bad challenge on Alfie, then 60 seconds later escaped a 2nd yellow when Alf turned him at the edge of the box and was hauled down again. To say Alf was wound up about the incident would be an understatement. With just 3 minutes left Vics grabbed the winner when Tony parried a free kick and in the resultant scramble FOTHERINGHAM netted. In the dying seconds Cookie was taken out but no free kick was awarded. Cook offered his opinion on the decision to the ref who in return offered him a red card, which was pretty ridiculous given that practically every player on the park had sworn at him during the course of the game without even a warning. There was still time for Beaner to hook a volley off the top of the bar but that was the last chance and out we went.

Stonehaven 0 - Dyce 1 (27th October 2007)

Saturdays game kicked off in glorious conditions, which is surprising due to the clock change and start of the winter period. Both teams fielded different starting XI's from the previous encounter which saw Hive run out worthy winners.
Zander failed a late fitness test on his toe which he injured in training midweek, and with Cookie suspended after his outburst at the referee last week, Andy and Ally were forced to make a number of changes. Dazzy returned to his "favoured" position of Sweeper, even though he tells everyone he's a lethal striker, Callum came back in to partner Jordan in central midfield and Alfie was pushed back into a right wing berth.
The game started off fairly eveningly with neither keeper having a great deal to do, Stonehaven pushed an extra man into midfield to make three in the centre and played with three at the back. By the mid-way point of the first half both teams were trying to push forward as much as possible hoping to break the deadlock, but a combination of poor passing, the ball bobbling and wayward heading showed that neither team were looking like troubling the oppositions keeper. During this period of play we were unlucky to lose Tattie to a groin injury and was replaced at right-back by Webby who was under strict instructions of "Not to dive in".
Leading up to the half-time interval play picked up with both teams creating a few chances, Stonehaven had a long range free-kick which was held by Tony, and the Dyce midfield players linked up well with Neisher and Stuart Reid to create a few good opportunites which were either well saved by Michael Smith in the Stonehaven goal, or ending up off target.
The second hand kicked off with both the sun and temperature dropping, but good crisp passing from both sides promising to keep the crowd entertained. Cookie was soon firing outbursts in the direction of the referee and assistant referee, and Simmy was keeping the subs bench in good humour with some mickey taking of Pete. A good passage of play saw Dyce link several passes together, with a great ball in from the left hand side pickeingout NEISH who had peeled off his marker, and guided the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The handful of travelling Dyce fans cheered and celebrated while the hardcore Stonehaven fans behind the home keepers goal vocally showed their frustration. Dyce pushed for a second with the odd breakaway from Stonehaven troubling the visitors defence, but the backline of Webby, Aspe, Stevie and Dazzy keeping Tony's goal well protected. Hendo was putting a terrific shift on the left hand side, with the only blot on his copybook was a comical tumble after being clipped by the Hive keeper Smith. He lay down for a good couple of minutes while the home fans screamed obsenities thinking he had dived and wasting time, with Ally McGinley offering his opinion on the incident "Know what a mean".
Webby also went off with a back injury with Beana going on at right back, and Skinner entering the fray a few minutes later in place of goalscorer Neish. Stonehaven also made a few substitutions in an attempt to get back into the game but nothing materialised and Dyce finished a goal to the good. All in all it was a good performance by all the players, who put in a great effort to stop the run of three straight defeats in all competetions.
Next week Dyce entertain St Andrews who make the journey North in the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup. The squad is starting to regain its numbers with Aggie returning to training and hopeful to be back in full training in the next couple of weeks. Simmie is also back training after a lengthy absence, and with the two of them back involved training during the week is bound to be a bit more loud. Cookie is also back from his single game suspension and will be pushing for a place back in the starting XI.

Dyce 1 - St Andrews United 2 (3rd November 2007)

We stumbled out of the Scottish Cup at Ian Mair Park with a 2-1 defeat by Fife outfit St Andrews Utd. It was a disappointing performance after the excellent win at Stonehaven the previous week. We started off reasonably well and when Reid was fouled in the box we had a penalty after just 9 minutes. JORDAN stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. 1-0. However the lead only lasted 6 minutes as St Andrews hit back when the ball broke to McLEAN who slotted home from 8 yards. Alfie collected a yellow shortly after and Utd had the ball in the net again through Campbell, but it was disallowed for offside although if the truth be told there was sod all wrong with it as he came from an onside position. Rico then collected a yellow for a rash tackle. He didn't make contact with the visiting player but had he done so it would have probably hurt! Utd's Patrick didn't help matters by racing 30 yards to dish out a load of verbal to various folk but things soon calmed down again. The visitors were then gifted the lead on 35 minutes when a cross was sailing high past everyone (even their giant centre forward who was about a foot taller than anyone else on the park!). Stevie Mur for some reason decide to palm the ball away. Stonewall pen no question. MEIKIN stepped up and netted.
H-T 1-2
The second half was a pretty dour affair, with neither side creating too much. The best chance we had was when Neisher found space on the box and his close range header was well saved by Davidson. Patrick shot just wide at the other end before sub Zander tried his luck from distance near the end but his shot was easily held. And well that was really about in the second 45. We pressed a bit towards the end and were awarded a few free kicks but nothing came of any of them, while Utd had a couple of half chances without troubling Tony too much. Disappointing in the end but it's St Andrews who progress to the next round.

East End 0 - Dyce 1 (10th November 2007)

After the Scottish Cup disappointment against St Andrews we got back to winning ways with a well deserved win at league leaders East End. The newly promoted side had won 6 out of their 7 games in the top flight but never looked like making it 7 out of 8. We started on the front foot and from a corner Tattie's header was cleared off the line, then Dazzy Lewis shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box. Play was mainly confined to the middle third of the park for a while and apart from a coupld of weakly hit free kicks from distance Tony really wasn't troubled at all. Jordan had a great chance to give us the lead when he burst through but instead of shooting he decided to try and pass the ball to big Neishy. Bad move as he made a horlicks of it and the chance was gone. Ten minutes before the break the deadlock was broken when the ball fell to Callum LYON 20 yards out and his low shot beat Clark. The home side's Carroll picked up the games first yellow for a tackle on Lyon, then team mate Marr was lucky to only see yellow for a bad challenge from behind on the Ginger One Reid. The Dyce midfielder recovered and should have made it two just on half time but he never caught his shot properly and Clark saved easily.
H-T 0-1
The second half started in the same way the fisrt went, with beaner shooting wide the Lyon had a great chance at the far post but couldn't control the ball in front of goal. Jordan had a free kick saved before Kirkwood became End's third player to be booked. Callum Lyon then collected a yellow for what we thought was his 14th foul of the game, but the linesman corrected us by confirming he had only committed 12. Stevie Mur then boosted the fine kitty even more by picking up a booking before End's Lee Murray and Jordan clashed in the center circle. Ref Beaton decided to give them both yellows, although they could easily have been reds. The home side's Walker was next to have his name taken for a foul on Murray. If our fine kitty is building up nicely East End must have a fair few quid in their's judging by the number of cards they seem to pick up! We always looked comfortable although there was one scare two minutes from the end when home sub Keith's header bounced off the top of the bar. We could still be playing the game now and to be honest End still wouldn't have scored. It was a much improved performance on the previous week and a great 3 points from what is usually a very difficult venue to get a result.

Dyce 3 - Hillhead 0 (17th November 2007)

We moved level on points with East End and Maud with a comfortable victory against Hillhead. We were on the attacke from the start with Alfie and the Ginger One causing problems down the right although the final ball into the box let us down more than once. Neishy had the first clear chance but his shot was parried by Farqhuar and when the loose ball was crossed over Evel Knievel headed wide. 20 minutes in we grabbed the lead when Tattie played a great ball over the top to REID who had timed his run to perfection and the Ginger One rounded the keeper and scored. Alfie went down in the box 2 minutes later but there was no chance of a penalty, it was about as theatrical as the forthcoming christmas panto's. The Cameroon man had the ball in the net when he diverted in Neishy's shot but he was a yard or two offside and the lead stayed at a single goal. The Ginger One should have made it two but Farquhar saved well, then Skinner collected the game's first yellow for two 'strikers tackles' in the space of a few minutes. Hillhead weren't posing any threat going forward but Tony spilled a long range shot but the ball was cleared then McKenzie flighted in a dangerous free kick but again there was no-one on the end of it. Six minutes before the break Skinner crossed and Alfie headed (yes he actually headed the ball!!) over. Two minutes later REID went round the keeper but hit the side netting, but just before the break he latched on to another through ball to skip past Farquhar and give us a two goal advantage. Hillheads Cruickshank picked up a yellow for some verbal to ref Cheyne just after the goal.
H-T 2-0
The visitors replaced keeper Farquhar at half time with Fyfe taking his place in goal. Hillhead had their best spell of the game for 10 minutes or so with Murray having a 25 yarder held by Tony the Pyper firing over shortly afterwards. We were soon back on the attack though and Alf went on a mazy and crossed for Neishy but Peter Crouch's shot was well parried and Reid was offside at the rebound. Jordan then found Reid and his shot was turned round the post by Fyfe, and from the corner Alf headed over (two headers in one game from Alf..no-one has ever seen that before and it would get better later!). Hillheads Cruickshank appeared to swing an elbow at Jordan off the ball and obviously Jordan being Jordan he decided to give him a bit of verbal for it. And Stevie Murray being Stevie Murray he decided to chip in with his opinion too. Ollie Campbell caused us a few problems with his trademark long throws, but Tony still didn't have a save of note to make. With 8 mins remaining the 3 points were sealed with a real collectors item of a goal. Jordan flighted in a corner which Lee Milne headed back across goal with his first touch of the ball. And there was ALFIE to get his head to the ball for an incredible third time in one game and this time he netted. Greg Davidson came off the bench and had two great chances to add to the scoreline, one shot was well saved by Fyfe and the other was right old sclaff which went well wide. The visitors almost grabbed a consolation in injury time when Robow's header rebounded off the post and into Tony's arms. A comfortable win the the end, could and probably should have been more than 3 goals but another clean sheet and 3 more points.

Ellon United 2 - Dyce 0 (24th November 2007)

We slumped to a disappointing defeat at the Meadows on a freezing day on Saturday. It was a poor game with neither side really creating much, with a scrappy goal and a penalty sealing Ellon's win. The opening spell saw nothing of note happen at all then in the 8th minute the home team took the lead out of nothing. Chapman's low cross seemed to take an age to come across the goal and the ball seemed to deflect of the leg of CRAIGIE and into the net. Moments later Neish headed acrross the goal at the other end but the Ginger One just couldn't connect. Ellon centre half Slater was given the freedom of the penalty box at a corner but his header went well wide. The next attempt at goal summed up the quality of the game..the ball fell to Webby 25 yards out and his effort cleared the keeper, the bar, the fence and bounced off a couple of motors in the car park. Callum Lyon also tried from distance and made a better job of it as his shot didn't miss the post by much. After 41 minutes we at last saw a keeper make a save, albeit a simple routine one when Tony easily held Batty's shot. We had a couple of corners at the end of the half, one of which saw the Ginger One shoot wide as still we failed to work Bowman in the Ellon goal.
H-T 1-0
The second half report will be brief, as it didn't really improve after the break. We had a bit more pressure but created nowt, while Tony wasn't troubled either. Callum hit another shot from distance wide whilst Noble did the same at the other end. The only other thing of note to happen was the wind speed increased and it seemed to drop in temperature from freezing to absolutely baltic. Dazzy Lewis hit one from distance which was deflected wide for a fruitless corner then with quarter of an hour left Ellon clinched the points with a second. Craigie burst through and was brought down at the edge of the box by Dazzy. Daz (and a couple of others) were claiming the tackle took place outside the box but the scribe was at the opposite end of the park and couldn't possibly comment. Ref Gary Duncan decided it was inside the area and frankly that is all that matters and CRAIGIE sent Tony the wrong way from the spot and it was two-nil. Neither keeper was really troubled again and Ellon held on comfortable for the points.

Dyce 2 - Parkvale 0 (1st December 2007)

An own goal and a header from Simmy won the game against Parkvale.

Longside 1 - Dyce 1 (8th December 2007)

We improved slightly on our abysmal record against hosts Longside with a point collected despite being a goal down and down to ten at half time. It was a day of strange decisions, the first being why the game had to kick off at 2.30 when most matches were 1.45. Ok, Longside have floodlights but by their own admission they aren't the brightest and by the end of the game it was almost impossible to see what was happening at the other side of the park. Just because they have lights they are forced to use them (at a cost which no doubt isn't cheap!) and both sides end up playing in semi darkness! The second silly decision was also made before the game kicked off. Tony's yellow jersey (not the brightest yellow) was deemed to have clasehd with the officials fluorescent yellow/lime outfit (at least they could be seen in the dark). Ref Scott McKenzie insisted that Tony could clash with him, so instead made him wear the change jersey which was red. So instead of clashing with 3 officials he now clashed with 10 outfield Longside players! Anyway after all this caper the game kicked off with Longside looking dangerous early on and Davidson's low shot scraped the outside of the post. Dazzy then played in a free kick which Hay fumbled but the keeper did well to block the Ginger One's effort from the rebound. 10 mins in came the next strange one. Longside were given a free kick which Reid took. Callum Lyon jumped straight up in the air and turned his back and the ball hit his arm. He was booked for encroachment, although that usually means moving towards the ball before it is played not jumping up. Reid then got the byline and crossed towards the penalty spot only for the ball to hit the full back and go in the opposite direction and out for a corner. Well it should have been but for some odd reason a goal kick was given. On the half hour came the next farce. A ball into our box saw Stevie Mur attempt a clearance. The ball smacked off Dazzy's coupon and out. Mr McKenzie obviously thought Dazzy's ugly mug has the features of a hand and awarded a ridiculous penalty. Longside weren't complaining at the early christmas present and REID blasted home the kick. Webby then collected a yellow before the yet another nonsense. Callum slid in to block a clearance from Gibson and never actually tackled him Gibson's momentum took him into Callum's leg and the midfielder was given a second yellow. Unbelievable that he could get two yellows and a red without even even tackling anyone! As the teams trooped off at half time the ref was questioned why Tony was wearing a red top, and his answer was that he asked him to wear a grey one. This would have been a miracle if he could considering we don't even have a grey top, so unless someone was going to hike into town to the Dugout and back again it was never going to happen.
H-T 1-0
We started the second half brightly despite being a man down and got ourselves level in the 53rd minute. Dazzy's free kick was blocked by Hay and COOKIE followed up to blast home the rebound. Just as well the keeper never got in the way as he would have ended up in the net as well. The home side's Cardno hit the side net with a header before sub Alfie may have been impeded in the box but he managed to stay on his feet which was good to see, but his attempted cross certainly wasn't good. Tony saved comfortably from Biskup before Tattie collected a yellow for a pretty tame tackle. The Ginger One and Alfie both had chances so I am told, although it was difficult to see that far in the dark. With 8 minutes left Longside were also reduced to ten men when Murray Reid collected a second yellow. It was too dark to see if it was merited or not, and a couple of folk disn't actually realise he was off until after the game! Moments later Lee Milne had a great chance to grab a winner but Hay made a great save. If anything else happened it was missed as it was just too dark to see any more.

Dyce 2 - Culter 2 (15th December 2007)

The lads showed bags of character on Saturday to come back from two goals down and end 4 time champions Culter's 100% league record at Ian Mair Park. Things didn't start too brightly as Culter were on the front foot and took the lead in the 13th minute. John Brown found space on the left and swung in a teasing croos. Martin SHAND created a bit of space with a front post run and he headed past Tony for the opener. Four minutes later ex- Dyce man Monksey floated in a free kick to Rattray at the far post but his volley was easily held by Tony. But gradually we came back into the game and on the half hour Tattie wasn't far away when his 20 yarder flew inches over the bar. Ten minutes later we had a great chance when Jordan sent in a free kick and Webby of all people was given a free header but again it went over. Jordan was next to have a go from the edge of the box but again Pirie wasn't troubled and the ball went wide. At this point we were looking good to get back into the game but unfortunately half time arrived and we were still a goal behind.
H-T 0-1
We were made to rue the misses at the end of the first half when Culter grabbed a second just after the break with what was apparently a replica of the opener. The media were still enjoying the half time refreshments when news filtered into the lounge that Brown again crossed for SHAND to head home. Monksey picked up the first yellow of the game for clattering Alfie, possibly some payback for the number of times Alf crunched him at training over the years! Twnety minutes into the half we were back in it when Tattie's through ball saw Alfie EDENE hold off Rattray and as Pirie advanced Alf lobbed him perfectly to pull one back. Game on!! Nine minutes later Rattray was all over Alf like a rash but for some reason Culter were awarded a free kick. To say Alf was confused and angry would be an understatement and ref Milne offered him a card in return (a yellow one not a christmas one). Shand was next into the book and his team-mate Cadger soon followed for a tackle on Cookie, who also collected one... no doubt for offering his opinion on the incident to the ref. We were pushing for an equaliser and Lyon headed just over from a Jordan cross the Pirie pulled off a fine save from Neisher. Just when it looked like we would get nothing from the game in injury time TATTIE swept a fine volley into the far corner leaving Pirie with no chance (yes, I said Tattie volleyed one in with his left peg!!). It was probably justice in the end as a point was the least we deserved out of the game after matching the champions all over the park and showing great guts and determination after going two down.

Dyce - Banks Of Dee (22nd December 2007)

The game was called off before the players got changed due to frozen pitch

Turriff United 0 - Dyce 2 (5th January 2008)

We ended our dreadful record at the Haughs with a hard earned win on Saturday. We had numerous players out with Zander, Tattie, Callum and Beaner missing, and Tony, Jordan, Lee and Neishy looking like death warmed up due to various bugs. We opened well and had the ball in the net after 3 mins when Jaffa netted from the rebound after a Neish shot but the flag was up. Turriff had a chance moments later when a corner broke to McKinnon at the far post but Tony did well to block his effort. Webby entered his candidate for miss of the season in the 10th minute when he had an open goal only four yards out. Unfortunately he tried a diving header when the ball was only 6 inches off the ground and rather messed it all up. Neishy set up Alfie next but his sclaffed left footer was easily held, before Tony made a great save to deny Harris. Alf then skinned the full back and forced a good save from Reid, and the resulting corner broke to Jaffa who fired a 20 yarder just wide. Chalmers almost had a clear shot when Turriff broke forward but Cookie's great tackle forced the ball out for a corner. When the ball was cleared to Lobban at the edge of the box his shot was tipped wide but Tony, although it was probably going past anyway. With ten minutes of the half left we were in front when ALFIE broke through and was brought down by keeper Reid. Despite anyone and everyone pleading with him not to take it up he stepped...and shockeroony the Cameroony netted. 4 minutes later we should have another spot kick when Begg totally clattered through the back of Alf in the 6 yard box but ref Henderson somehow decided it wasn't. ALFIE wasn't to be denied though and in the final minute of the half collected Webby's cross with a great first touch and placed the ball wide of Reid into the corner.
H-T 0-2
The second period was scrappy at the start with it taking until the 58th minute for Harris to test Tony but the shot was well held. Webby then sent Alf clear and he cut the ball back to Neisher who hit a great first time shot. Reid made a tremendous save but when the rebound to the Ginger One what followed was nowt short of a farce. He was about 6 yards from the goal with the keeper still on the deck. Somehow he got his feet and legs horribly tied up trying to follow up and ended up on his ass with the keeper collecting easily. Webby is off the hook now as that must be the worse miss of the season. Alf then miss hit a cross which almost looped in but it bounced on the top of the net with Reid struggling, then the Cameroony shot into the side net when he ought to have squared to the onrushing Neish. For the last 15 minutes or so Turriff had the bulk of the posession in our half without creating too many clear cut opportunities, although Chalmers hit the bar from 6 yards following a corner with Tony gathering the rebound. We held firm though and almost added a third when Skinner fed Alf at the corner of the box but Reid made a fine save from his low shot. Then in stoppage time just as we thought we would see the unthinkable (a match with NO bookings for either side)....sub Aggie stepped in with a late lunge and collected a yellow for it. So after some dismal performances in recent years up at Turriff it was great to finally collect 3 points from a difficult venue.

Hermes P - Dyce P (12th January 2008)

Match was postponed due to a frozen pitch

Dyce 1 - Sunnybank 1 - Dyce won 4 - 2 on pens(19th January 2008)

We battled through to the 2nd round of the Regional Cup with an excellent victory against a Sunnybank side who are many peoples favourites to take the title from Culter this season. Having already beaten them in the league we are showing that on our day we can mix it with the best of them. Once more we had a bit of a kit faisco before the game though. When the sides have met previously we have both tended to wear home colours, but Mr Henderson didn't approve of blue and WHITE hoops against black and WHITE hoops. Unfortunately Bank hadn't taken their change kit and our change is black and white. One of their committee was hastily sent to get their away kit from their club and arrived just before kick off with it and they cahnged into red and WHITE...HOOPS!! Tony had his red top and was forced to change into yellow, the same as the match officials...the same yellow top he had to change out of against Longside as it clashed with the officials that day as well (that was the day he had to wear red against Longside in red and black!). Anyhow, enough garbling about that, although really we need to get some consistency from officials when it comes to colours. The game itself saw us on the front foot for most of the first half with Jordan having a shot blocked and Thomson thwarting Alf with a last ditch tackle. Bank rarely threatened but Tony had to deal with a Fraser free kick and shortly after a great passing move saw then cut through our defence and Steel was unlucky to see his shot come back off the post. Just before the half hour we took the lead when Reid found JORDAN at the edge of the box and his first touch killed the ball and he hit a screamer past Sweeney who didn't even see it. Tony tipped over a Reid shot as the visitors tried to get back into the game but half time came and we were desevedly ahead.
H-T 1-0
The second half saw Bank pressing but not troubling Tony and early on Gordon of the visitors and Cookie collected yellows for verbal. Greig had a shot tipped over by Tony the shot over without Tony's help bfore the equaliser that looked like coming arrived on 64 minutes. Ally Reid crossed and Stevie Murray seemed to try and catch the ball (answers on a postcard why!) and the ball broke off Milne and gave Neil REID a tap in from a couple of yards. Henry was next in the book for taking down Alf and Thomson also collected one for clattering Jaffa. After weathering the storm we played our way back into things and Reid looked to be through but Sweeney was off his line sharp to deny him. Fraser had another free kick held by Tony and Alf set up Jordan who shot wide as play swung from end to end. After scoring with a volley against Culter Tattie tried it again but Sweeney saved before the keeper tipped away a Jordan cross that seemed to be dipping in (would have been a total fluke if it had gone in). Despite both sides best efforst there was no further scoring and onto pens it was. Tony got us off to a great start by saving from Fraser before Callum Lyon's effort squirmed past Sweeney- advantage Dyce. Neil Reid and Jordan both scored to make it 2-1, then Tony made another excellent save from Crombie and Sturat Reid made it 3-1 with two kicks left each. Fettes kept Bank in it but Neisher slotted home to make it four successful kicks out of four and seal a 4-2 spot kick win.

Dyce 3 - Banks Of Dee 3 (26th January 2008)

As far as prizes go it wasn't as important as the horrid Mancunian Reds late win over McInally's favourites Baaa-yern Munchen, but the ending to this game was every bit as exciting. With a minute to go we were 2-1 up then proceeded to do our best to throw not two but three points down the pan before hitting back to grab a draw in the most dramatic ending to a game at Ian Mair Park for many a year. Yet it all started so tamely, Dee not really looking like a league leading side and us looking a hundred times worse! Fyfe volleyed wide from a free kick before the visitors took the lead in the 10th minute. Stevie Mur obviously didn't realise that christmas was a month previous when he gifted posession to Carstairs and his low cut back was driven home by the left foot of Alan SMITH. Scaiffe then shot wide as Dee continued to control things and Tony had to parry wide a shot from the same player. Eventually we got back into the game and should have been level when Lyon netted after Pennet had saved from Jordan. The 'goal' was ruled out however by a late flag, despite Callum actually being behind Jordaon when he hit the shot. However 5 minutes later we were level. Sub Greid DAVIDSON (who had come on for the injured Alfie) hit a 'piledriver' which seemed to take about 30 seconds to roll in off the far post. Neisher had a chance just before the break but Peter Crouch headed over from a free kick.
H-T 1-1
We started the second half on the attack and Callum hit the side net and also mis-hit one wide, while at the other end Carstairs headed wide. Cookie picked up a yellow for a late tackle, his bookings becoming as regular as a Sunday paper nowadays. Callum followed him into the book as his tackles were even more regular every two or three minutes! We had a major let off midway through the half when Scaiffe looked certain to score but Cookie did brilliantly to block the ball on the line. With 16 minutes left on the clock we took the lead when Davidson burst through and was hauled doen by Milne for a penalty. Absolute stonewaller as well. Up stepped ex Dee player Callum LYON to slam home the kick. Scaiffe was next in the book for a late on on Callum. Neisher almost had a chance befoe Tony made a tremendous block at the feet of Brownhill as play swung from end to end. Just as it looked like it would end 2-1 things went slightly bonkers. In the final minute of normal time ex Dyce striker Camara went through Dazzy with a tackle so late he could have made it in the next match. Ref Duncan had followed the ball and had no way of seeing it. Seconds later the ball went out for a throw to Dee and we went to sleep as it was thrown in to CAMARA at the corner of the 6 yard box and he turned and shot past Tony. If that wasn't bad enough a minute into stoppage time it got worse as from a needlessly given away free kick we again switched off as the ball was played in to Brownhill and he was brought down by Skinner. It was pretty much the stonewall variety again and SCAIFFE sent Tony the wrong way to seemingly steal the 3 points.But 3 minutes into stoppage time there was yet more drama as Skinner went on a mazy and was crudely hacked down by Long 25 yards out and the defender was booked for his trouble. Up stepped Callum LYON and he curled a beauty into the top corner to round of the mad ending to proceedings. We didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the end. With a minute to go we ought to have been able to close the game out and therefore disappointing to drop 2 points, while on the other side of the coing when the Dee took the lead in stoppage time we would have gladly accepted a point. It can be bloody hard work watching this team!

Dyce 2 - Stonehaven 1 (9th February 2008)

We are through to the quarter finals of the Regional Cup after coming from behind and earn a hard fought win in a tight match against Stonehaven. We controlled the opening qurter hour without creating too much, Lee Milne's header from a corner went wide and that was as close as either side went. That was until the 17th minute when out of nothing Hive took the lead. We lost posession on the right and Webby dived in on Glass but the winger skinned him and his low cross was well finished by Darren KEITH...if our own Neisher resembles Peter Crouch this lad is surely Hen Broon. Eight minutes later we should have been on level terms when the Ginger One's cross found Jaffa at the far post and he connected well with his shot but Smith made a tremendous save. When the rebound fell to Crouch it went horribly Pete Tong as his shot flew into the car park. Callum Lyon collected the game's first yellow for a tackle 5 mins before the break, and Dazzy soon followed for claiming a handball. No shouting, no swearing, no calling the ref anything..just a simple claim. Just a simply wrong decision to book him. Just on half time Stoney should have increased their lead when a free kick into the box broke to Strachan who had a clear sight of goal but fired just wide.
H-T 0-1
Leke the opening period we started the second half on the front foot with Niesher having a shot easily held before the Ginger One shot wide from a tight angle. Hive's Robertson was next in the book for a tackle from behind on Webby. With 63 minutes on the clock we were level. The roving reporter missed goal due to excessive sherbets with the match sponsors, but apparently Jaffa crossed for Callum LYON to head home. Stoney's center half Bambi (like someone from land of the giants) was then next in the book for a tackle on Dazzy. His old man can pay his booking fine for him after he was allowed into the ground in the first half with his four quid still in his pocket on the basis he was only staying 10 mins. He was still there at full time...so Bambi if you read this get the cash from yer tight faither!! Stoney striker Foy was next in the book for a trip and then midway through the half we took the lead. The goal was almost a replica of the first, with Jaffa again crossing from the right this time to the unmarked Lee MILNE who headed past Smith. Tony then had to save from both Robb and Foy who both tried their luck from tight angles. The visitor's Ritchie Clark was next to be booked by the ever so fussy ref Veitch, to say this one was soft is probably understatement of the season. The last 10 minutes saw plenty action at both ends. Neisher headed the ball off the face of the bar from a free kick, then two minutes later Hive's Glass hit the outside of the post from 15 yards. Neisher's 25 yard free kick was touched away by Smith, before Stoney forced a couple of late corners which came to nowt. Overall a good win against a team that are never easy to beat, with the lads showing good character coming back from a goal down.

Hermes 0 - Dyce 1 (16th February 2008)

Whilst travelling to Lochside Park for this match we agreed that any win would be acceptable given what an awkward venue it is. The park is bobbly, usually gale force winds (although it was actually a fine day for a change) and a Hermes outfit who don't half get in your face from the off meaning it's difficult to play any decent football. We agreed that we would take an ugly win, and by god they don't really come much uglier than this! The opening 15 minutes wasn't too bad, we tried to play a bit with of success and almost opened the scoring due to a mix up in the home defence though they managed to clear for a corner. Lyon then laid the ball off to Skinner and his 18 yarder was well parried by Park. Skinner and Lyon then combined to set Neish away on the left but his low effort went wide of the near post. On 15 our pressure paid off when Skinner won the ball and played it down the left to Reid. He went down the wing and his low cross was controlled and placed into the corner by NEISHER. Then we stopped playing. Hermes helped us to that with a series of niggly fouls, Dawson being the main culprit. Despite the numerous fouls it was Stevie Mur who was first in the book for a bit of verbal (as expertly predicted by Mr T on the sidelines only 20 seconds earlier). Home keeper Park was having difficulty dealing with passbacks on the bobbly surface but we couldn't capitalise on a couple of wayward clearances. On the half hour Dawson was inevitably booked for a late tackle on Jaffa, and his team mate Courage also saw yellow at the same time for the second tackle although his one was certainly harsh to say the least. Just on half time we should have had the chance to get a second. Skinner and Reid both had shots saved in a stramash in the box, and when the ball fell to Tattie 6 yards out he was just away to net the rebound when he was taken out by Freeland. Absolute stonewaller. Absolutely nowt given.
H-T 0-1
The opening 5 mins of the second period was like the first. Neish headed over a Lyon corner, then Milne beat Park to a 50/50 ball at the edge of the box but his low shot hit the outside of the box. Both players needed treatment with Park able to continue but Milne having to be replaced. After that it was pretty dire. Hermes' Robertson was next in the book for a serious bit of whingeing to the ref, players have been sent off for saying less. Webby was our second player contributing to the fine kitty, his booking for a cynical foul on Courage. Neisher then had a great chance to make it two- Freeland mis judged a long ball and Crouch was in..only to hurry his shot and blaze it over. Hermes then had two appeals for a penalty within as many minutes. Firstly they were looking for a handball against Stevie Mur. No chance, that one came off his thigh clear as a bell. The second one was more debaltable. The reporting officer was too far to see if there was contact when Webby tackled Courage. If there was then it probably should have been awarded. There was a sour ending to the game when right on the final whistle Freeland went in high on Dillon, his stud leaving a nasty hole in Dillon's knee. As the players walked off the Hermes centre half was booked, and could easily have collected a 2nd yellow for applauding the ref's decision to award him his first. Certainly not pretty to watch but three away points, a clean sheet and a damn fine pie.

Dyce 3 - East End 1 (23rd February 2008)

After the dire match with Hermes the previous week, albeit a win, we were hoping for a lot better against East End. It still wasn't brilliant but it was a bit better and another 3 points to keep us in second spot. In the early stages both teams tried to keep the ball down and play, although chances were few and far between. Webby was warned for a tug on Wyness and then the visitors McArthur was first in the book for a late one on Jaffa. Callum Lyon hit one wide from the dge of the box and that was the closest thing in the opening quarter hour. End hit back and on 20 Elliot dribbled to the dge of the box but his shot flew over. 5 minutes later we had a great chance to take the lead when a punt upfied bounced over the back four Neisher's lobbed header was well saved by Taylor. Tony was called into action for the first time after half an hour when Wilson's shot took a deflection but the keeper held the ball easily enough. Two minutes later we broke the deadlock when Lyon's corner was headed home by NEISH despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball. End had a great opportunity shortly after from a short corner and when the ball was crossed in Elliot should have done better than blaze the ball over. The same player was involved again moments later, this time collecting a yellow for scything down Tattie. From the free kick Tattie headed the ball across for Reid to net but the linesmans flag was up.
H-T 1-0
The visitors started the second half brightly with Booth having a couple of chances. Firstly he latched onto the ball after Cookie missed it and shot narrowly wide, then he was set up at the edge of the box but again was off target. Soon we were back on the attack again and Lyon volleyed over from Neisher's lay off. Jaffa then had a great chance on the hour but the ball took a horrid bobble just before he shot and it went a bit Pete Tong. Three minutes later we grabbed a second when Neisher put in a great cross which Callum LYON headed home. The comfort of a two goal lead lasted all of two minutes as a quick free kick was played back to BOOTH at the edge of the box and fairly skelped his shot past Tony. We then had a ropey spell and End should have equalised when Harris was given the freedom of the box from another set piece but headed wide. Big let off. We needed a third goal and thankfully it arrived on 77, when Cunningham (just on for Skinner) played a through ball for fellow sub DAVIDSON and he slotted past Taylor to restore the two goal lead. Tattie then headed wide from Cunningham's cross.....He really needs to keep his eyes open when heading the ball! Jaffa had the ball in the net soon after but the ball was deemed to crossed the byline before the ginger one crossed it. End sub Allan was next in the book for impeding Tony as he tried to chuck the ball out and that was the end of the action.

Dyce 0 - Turriff 1 (1st March 2008)

We made a tame exit from the ATR cup with a disappointing home defeat against Turriff- our first loss in about 3 months. Windy and bobbly conditions made good football difficult and as a result the report will be short as not much really happened! Dazzy had an early free kick held by Buchanan before Turriff took the lead after 8 minutes. A through ball found HARRIS in acres of space and despite appeals for offside (which he wasn't) he raced on and netted. Two minutes later a similar ball found Henderson but he hit the side net. Just before the half hour Harris was through again, this time he was just offside, but after cutting inside Tony he hit the side net. Neish tried his luck from the edge of the box but Buchanan held his shot comfotably before Harris was clean through yet again. This time he was well offside but once more was allowed to carry on but he shot weakly at Tony when really he should have done better. And for the first 45 that was about it.
H-T 0-1
We improved after the break with Murray having an early chance at the far post but Buchanan blocked well while Reid shot wide from 20 yards at the other end. We could have had a penalty when Craib seemed to use the top of his arm to try and block a through ball to Hendo, play was allowed to continue as it fell to Hendo anyway but he blasted inches past the post. Neisher tried a 25 yard free kick soon after but it was more like a passback and Buchanan held easily. Lyon's shot was deflected and parried wide by the Turriff keeper as we searched for an equaliser and from the corner Neisher had a chance but took too long, the ball broke wide to Murray who crossed in with pace and the ball seemed to bounce off Hendo's barnet, into the ground and just over. Just when we thought we would see the rare occasion of a game with no bookings Neisher offered the ref his verdict on a decision and collected a yellow. Sod all else really happened and that's us out of the competition.

Formartine United 1 - Dyce 0 (8th March 2008)

We slumped to our second 1-0 defeat in as many weeks on Saturday going down to a first half strike against Formartine at Pitmedden. The home side have hardle won a point since we beat them early in the season at home but since the arrival of John Gardiner as boss there have been signs of improvement. Both sides opened competitively, with Tattie being desperately unlucky to collect a yellow with the games first tackle. Ref McKenzie let two similar tackles go by home defenders within minutes. To be honest none deserved a booking but it hacks you off when one gets but no-one else! Neisher had the games first effort and his 25 yarder took a wicked bounce forceing ex Dyce keeper Rico Horne to turn the ball wide. Forsyth then burst through for the home side and really should have done better than hit the side net. Dazzy was next to test Rico from distance but his shot was easily held. Two minutes later play swung to the other end and Tony had to be brave to block at the feet of Forsyth following a low cross into the box. With 20 on the clock we came within a whisker of taking the lead. Neisher was brought down 25 yards out and Jordan's free kick looked a goal all the way until Rico dived across and tipped it over for a fruitless corner. Formartine then had a great chance when there was a stramash in our box but two attackers ended up going for the same ball and it was cleared. Jaffa was short with a header back and Tony made a great save from Brown, but the homesters did take the lead just a minute later. A free kick was swung into the box and Tony came out to collect it. He collided with Forsyth and the loose ball fell to YOUNG who lobbed in the opener from 15 yards out with two minutes until the break.
H-T 1-0
United looked dangerous at the start of the second period with Young bursting through and shooting wide, then Brown blazing one over. Craib was yellowed for a tackle on Neisher and the quick free kick found Dillon whose shot was blocked for a corner. Dazzy hit a free kick over and from another set piece home defender Lawson appeared to handle the ball and even punted the ball away thinking he had given away a penalty. Luckily for him ref McKenzie saw some sort of infringement which few others saw and awarded Utd a free kick instead. At last we started to look a bit more dangerous (only a bit!) and had a spell of decent pressure. Dillon volleyed wide the Stevie Mur forced a good save from Rico from close range. The ginger one then crossed for Jaffa who looked set to score but a fine tackle denied him, and Neisher hit one into the side net. In the end we could have taken something from the game, with home keeper being nominated their sponsors man of the match, but over the piece we didn't look dangerous enough in the last third, and with tough games against Sunnybank and Ellon coming up we will need to improve.

Dyce 2 - Sunnybank 1 (15th March 2008)

We made it 3 wins from 3 at Sunnybank. After being under pressure for most of the first half we produced a much better 2nd half display with Neisher and Callum scoring to give us a comfortable lead. We looked in no danger from then until Bank pulled one back with a stoppage time penalty from Gordon.

Dyce 1 - Ellon United 2 (22nd March 2008)

In a game of two halves on Saturday we went down to a stoppage time penalty against an Ellon side who moved up to 2nd in the table. Despite a blizzard before the game which resulted in the pitch being completely covered in snow, it was all gone by 2.30 although the wind was a bit of a pain (and damn cold). The game opened cautiously with neither side getting on top. The only thing of note that happened in the opening period was when linesman Spence slipped and landed on his ass. 3 minutes later his colleague at the other side of the park obviously thought it looked good fun and did exactly the same thing!Neisher had the first two efforts on goal, a free kick that flew over and a volley just wide. Jimmy Ellis then shot wide for the visitors against his former club, and Ellon also had a few free kicks which we managed to clear. With half an hour gone there was some controversy when Whyte went down at the edge of our box. The ref gave a free kick, and the linesman flagged...the Ellon supporters clearly thinking he was going to advise the ref that the incident took place insode the box. They seemed to take an awful long time to discuss things, but in the end the whistler stuck to his guns as he was only 5 yards from the tackle whereas the linesman was 40- free kick given, and free kick fired over the bar. Ellon were enjoying a decent spell and took the lead on 36 minutes. Dazzy gave away a needless throw and it was taken quickly and flicked on to WHYTE who lobbed Tony with a good finish. From the restart we broke forward and Lyon tried his luck from 25 yards but was off target. It was a disapoointing half with the visitors being worth their lead.
H-T 0-1
The second half was a different game altogether. From the first whistle we were on the front foot. Davidson flicked the ball on to Lyon who shot over, and Neisher headed just over from a Jordan cross. 13 minutes into the half we grabbed the equaliser our pressure deserved when Jordan swung in a free kick and NEISHER found the corner of the net with a fine header. Shortly after Jaffa smacked one in from the edge of the box which was brilliantly saved by Bowman in the Ellon goal, then the Ginger One rounded the keeper only for Batty to get back and make a fine goal line clearance. Tony had to look sharp to save from Ellis at the other end but we continued to domiante until the last 3 minutes when it all went pear shaped. Two split second decisions cost us dear. Firstly Neisher was barged in the back by Slater, but stupidly flicked out a foot at the defender and was given the inevitable red card. Then in the second minute of stpooage time Whyte latched on to a through ball wide in the box. Tony charged out when he may have been better staying put and hauled the striker down. CRAIGIE stepped up and netted the resultant spot kick and all of a sudden after looking like the team that would win the game in the second period we were behind. There was time for one last chance when we won a free kick just outside the box but Lyon's effort was held by Bowman.

Hillhead 2 - Dyce 0 (29th March 2008)

Our recent poor run (Funnybank game excepted!) continued as we went down to relegation threatened Hillhead at Keith Park. We had slightly the better of the first half but there was no scoring and then two goals early in the second period won the tie for the home side. We started brightly enough with Luggy hitting one over from distance then Skinner heading Jordan's cross over. Some slack defending gave Hillhead their first chance on 18 mins but Henry's snap shot flew just over. From a free kick shortly after the ball was like something from a pinball machine in our box and the ball fell to Keith who saw his close range shot well saved by Tony but the flag was up anyway. Pyper broke down the left and his low cross just evaded the onrushing Stephen. Play swung to the other end and Jaffa's cross/shot/mis-hit was held just under the bar by Farqhuar. A good move down the left saw the ball fall to the Ginger One and his shot was well saved by the keeper, the rebound fell to Davidson but his effort went horribly wide. In fairness to him the ball took a bit of a bobble just as he hit it- more about outragous bobbles later. Luggy hit another shot over then headed just wide from a corner, and Jaffa had a volley well held by Farquhar. With just a minute of the half left the suspended Neisher who was up in the stand beat a long standing record of Auton's that no-one thought was under threat. Auton managed to devour 3 pies in about quarter of an hour up at Burghead a few years back......Neisher now holds the crown after horsing his way through 3 in about 5 minutes flat. Back on the field another good move saw the Ginger One just fail to get his orange bonce on a great cross from Luggy.
H-T 0-0
Whilst finishing the refreshments kindly offered by our hosts we managed to get a view of our goalmouth from the bar, and it saw plenty action in the early stages. 3 mins in Tony made a fine save from a Murray shot from 12 yards, and four mins later Hillhead were ahead. A free kick into the box resulted in the stramash of all stramashes and eventually MURRAY forced the ball home at about the 6th attempt. At this point the bar closed and we made it outside just in time to see Hillhead's second goal just 3 mins after the opener.....and what an utter farce it was. The bobble mentioned earlier came into play again as Jordan played a harmless looking pass back to Tony from about 30 yards from our goal. Tony decided to punt it up the park first time. Had he connected he would have fairly cleared the half way line. Unfortunately just as swung his right peg the afore mentioned bobble occured and as Tony swiped fresh air the ball bounced tamely into the net. It made Tony look this week's candidate for the donkey t-shirt at training but really there was not a thing he could do and the stats will show it as an OG by JORDAN. Tony made a smart double save soon after and for the remainder of the game we huffed and puffed but never looked like scoring. Morrison and Alfie both collected yellows for a bit of handbags stuff, and right at the end Jaffa looked to have pulled one back but the ball hit either a defenders hand on the line (great save if it was!) or came back off the bar. Either way it was pretty irrelevant anyway as the final whistle went seconds later.

Dyce 3 - Longside 0 (5th April 2008)

The odds on us beating Longside are usually long, as we have not beaten them in my 9 years at the club (dont know if we have ever beaten them!). The odds of Cookie and Tattie scoring in the same match must have been even longer, so the fact they did score and we collected the points against a bogey side was a bit of a surprise to a few! The opening to the game was quiet to say the least with not really much happening, until the 15th minute when we took the lead. Hendo found Jordan on the right and his cross found Alfie, whose effort was blocked. COOKIE was there to scramble home the rebound for only his 2nd goal of the season. Oddly enough his first came away to Longside in the match played in semi-darkness. Luggy had a shot deflected wide just after as the afternoon's first snow shower appeared. Longside hadn't created much but on the half hour Geddes forced a good save from Tony with his 20 yarder. Two minutes later we grabbed a second with a goal from someone about as prolific as Cookie. A good move saw Luggy find space on the left and his first time cross found TATTIE who slid the ball past Simpson. Jordan had to be replaced by Lyon just before the break after pulling up in the centre circle. Coincidentally the snow as coming on again!! There was time for us to almost notch a third when Hendo's cross was kncked towards his own goal by Wisely. The ball beat the keeper and looked set to in until the defender redeemed himself with a spectacular clearance off the line.
H-T 2-0
Longside had their best spell of the game just after the break, with Hendo having to put in a great tackle on Reid as he looked set to score. After Tony's bizarre incident last week there was another this week. The ball was passed back to him and he cleared it (thankfully his boot connected with the ball this time!). One of the many strong gusts of wind caught the ball and it blew back to him and he caught it. Hardly deliberately picking up a passback but free kick was awarded but it came to nothing. Soon we were back on the attack and Cookie beat the keeper to a through ball but his shot slide just wide of the far post. With quarter of an hour to go we made sure of the 3 points when Dazzy played a good ball through the middle. Cookie was offside but thankfully made to attempt to go for it. However ALFIE had timed his run to perfection (another rarity on a day of unusual happenings!) and he ran on to slot in the third. The Ginger One missed a sitter right at the death and thankfully Ref Johnston added hardly any injury time as it was officially baltic by this stage. So there we have it, a report with no hassles or controversy and not mentioning refereeing decisions- it wasn't a difficult match for the officials but it was handled well by them. Well I did say it was a day of odd occurences!!!

Maud 2 - Dyce 0 (12th April 2008)

We have played worse than this in games and won them, however after having the better of the first hour we couldn't find the net and eventually going down to 10 men made the task beyond us. We opened well enough with ex-Dyce keeper Kerr having to head clear at the dge of the box, with Alfie's shot from the loose ball being blocked. Neisher then went on a bit of a mazy but his shot was easily held by Kerr. 17 minutes in Cookie was blatantly fouled but nowt was given. Stevie Mur as usual gave the ref his verdict on the incident and as a result will make his weekly contribution to the fine kitty for the resulting yellow. Minutes later home defender Arthur also gave McNab some verbal but he was only warned. Cookie enquired ever so politely as to why one gets booked and the other doesn't. He was promptly given a yellow as well, which would prove costly later. Middleton had a chance for Maud at the edge of the box but pulled his shot wide, then the Ginger One created space well at the other end but there was no-one on the end of his cross. On the half hour a great crossfiled pass from Neisher found Alfie rushing into the box and his first time shot looked netbound but crashed off the bar. Davidson broke down our left and Dazzy had to clear his dangerous cross. Alf then went marauding down the right and put in a fine cross but again it just eluded our in rushing forwards, this time Cookie. Maud had a great chance on 38 minutes when Stepehn headed wide when he found himself in acres of space. Just two minutes later however the homesters were ahead when a free kick was flighted in and STEPHEN made no mistake this time as he beat Tony to the ball and headed home.
H-T 1-0
Just 3 mins in to the 2nd half the ball bobbled about and Davidson forced a great save from Tony with his low shot. We were soon back on the attacke and Luggy shot narrowly past from 25 yards. Alf then crossed again and this time Cookie got on the end of it but volleyed wide. On the hour the ball broke to Stevie Mur 25 yards out and he hit his shot well but it was to straight at Kerr. Arthur was then booked for a late on on Cookie (would have been interesting if he had collected a yellow for his verbal earlier!), and the Davidson followed him for a bit of chit chat to McNab. Cookie then had another shot that was deflected into the side net as we looked the more likely, but on 63 mins Cookie attempted to stop McDonald's pass with a blocking tackle. No contact was made and no free kick was given. However when the ball went out of play McNab gave Cookie a second yellow and then red. 7 mins later it was game over when Davidson collected the ball wide and squared it for STEPHEN to tap home from 4 yards. We battled on and Murray's 30 yarder looked netbound until it deflected off a defenders bonce at inches over for a fruitless corner.

Dyce 2 - Stonehaven 1 (22nd April 2008)

Our first midweek match saw us collect a valuable 3 points against Stonehaven, which keeps us on target to reach last seasons points tally. We finished with 45 last term and need one more win from our final two matches to reach that total. The first half was fairly low key, typical end of season stuff on a bumpy pitch with a stiff breeze blowing. Neisher headed over in the 5th minute and Hendo forced a fine save from Smith 10 mins later as we looked the more likely to score. Stoney were dealt a blow soon after when stroker Foy went up for a header and landed awkwardly and was carried off . Neisher then tried his luck from 30 yards but the ball went miles over, in fact it cleared the fence and landed in the training ground. Hive hit back late in the half with Robb hitting the post and then Glass volleying just over from the edge of the box. In the final minute of the half we grabbed the lead when NEISHER collected the ball 25 yards out and turned and smacked a beauty into the top corner leaving Smith with no chance.
H-T 1-0
The opening 10 minutes of the 2nd period didn't see much goalmouth action but on 55 Hive were level. A far post cross was headed back accross and ROBB fired home the equaliser. Things remained that way for just 60 seconds as Neisher headed Dazzy's free kick back accross goal and the GINGER ONE beat Smith to the ball and netted from close in. Moments later the Ginger One came close again when he headed against the bar, before Luggy just about hit the Greentrees with a long range effort. Stevie Mur collected his weekly yellow, and for a change it was for a tackle rather than the usual verbal! Several times the ball was cleared into the farmers field alongside the park, and the injured Alfie was curious as to how comforting the sheep might be if he went to collect the ball but then decided he was terrified of them. Anyhow not much else happened for the remainder of the game, the closest being when Hive sub Pirie broke down the right and his suare ball looked set to be netted by Stewart but Dazzy cleared well.

Culter 2 - Dyce 4 (26th April 2008)

We made it through to the semi finals of the Norsco Regional Cup on Saturday with an excellent win at reigning SuperLeague champions Culter. Defensively we were strong and took our chances when they came along, albeit one of the goals was a total fluke. The opening quarter hour was scrappy with neither side causing the other too much bother, and the first attempt at goal saw the Ginger One's shot hit the corner flag and narrowly miss going out for a shy. Culter hot back and John Brown looked to be through but Tony was out quickly to smother the ball at his feet. We took the lead on the half hour when the ball was played to NEISHER in the box. The Peter Crouch lookalike turned well to beat his man and fired under the advancing Knox, 1-0. A minute later Alfie starting having a tantrum and collected a yellow for his comments. A further 5 minutes on and it was two-nil. The GINGER ONE collected the ball wide on the right and vollyed in a looping cross. He may claim it was a shot but no chance! The ball deceived Knox and dropped into the top corner to give us a two goal cushion. There was no further action before the break and off we went to enjoy the usual Culter hospitality.
H-T 0-2
Culter started the second period on the attack (not really unexpected!!). Tony missed a corner and the ball bounced off Campbell and wide, then ex-Dyce man Monksey headed over from another corner. 8 mins in Culter were thrown a lifeline thanks to an awful decision. Brown went on a mazy into the box and Jaffa slid in, got a foot to the ball and Brooner went down. Excellent tackle and corner we thought. But no, penalty given (we have been honest enough on this site to admit that some penalties given against us this season have been stonewallers- Stevie Mur will know about those- but even a couple of the Culter guys behing the goal shook their heads and laughed. Anyhow, Andy CAMPBELL stepped up and made an immaculate job of the spot kick. Game on. In the aftermath the players fury was still obvious as Jordan and A.N Other were cautioned for explaining to the ref what they they thought. SHortly after the Ginger One lobbed in another cross like the first half but this time Knox palmed it over. With 65 mins on the clock we restored our two goal lead when the Ginger One battled to win posession on the right and his low cross was converted at the far post by NEISHER. A minute later Culter were almost right back in it when sub Shand forced a brilliant save from Tony with a close range header. Brown then sent a dangerous cross right across the face of the goal but there were no takers. With quarter of an hour left though the home side did give themselves a lifeline when Wilson's 30 yarder took a bounce in front of Tony who ended up parrying the ball back out. SHAND pounced on the rebound and it was game on again.Brown of the home side was next in the book, yet again for some verbal- a bit of a theme apparent as every booking seemed to be for chit chat. 3 mins from the end Wilson tried another long distance effort and again it took an awkward bounce in front of Tony. This time however he held on well. Two mins into stoppage time we sealed the win when Neisher's through ball found DAVIDSON and he superbly lobbed Knox from 20 yards to finish the tie. Our reward for the win is a semi final tie away at Longside next week.

Longside 1 - Dyce 3 (3rd May 2008)

We made it through to the Regional Cup final on Saturday with a 3-1 win at Longside, our first ever win at Davidson Park. The final will be against turriff Utd on Friday 16th May at a venue to be confirmed. We didn't open very brightly and Tony's poor kick out found Cardno and his first time shot almost sailed over TB but he got back well to parry the ball wide. The ginger one fired over at the other end before Cardno looked suspiciously offside when forcing Tony into a great save in the 12th minute. We began to get a grip on the game and could have had a spot kick when Neisher was brought down but the flag was up. 4 minutes later on 21 we did however get a penalty when Cookie was taken down. It was a penalty, albeit a soft one. JORDAN stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. 1-0. Neisher cut in at the dge of the box minutes later but unfortunately just about hit the social club with his right foot shot. The beanpole hit another one wide before Biskup did likewise at the other end. Wood then had a deflected shot well tipped over by Tony and the corner was just scrambled clear. 10 minutes from the break we grabbed a second, when great move saw the Ginger One find Cookie with his left foot (thats right, the left!), Cookie flicked it back first time with the outside of his foot (yup, the outside), the Ginger One kept things going by firing in a great low cross- with the left peg again!- and NEISHER was there to controll the ball and pass it into the bottom corner. Two minutes later Longside reminded us that the game wasn't over when Wood's shot was deflected wide and again the corner was only just cleared. Jordan's free kick was headed wide by Dazzy and then Tattie was in a great position in the box but being so short proved a disability as the ball bounced over his heid.
H-T 0-2
Just two minutes into the second period saw us dealt a blow when Cookie landed awkwardly and his already dodgy knee went again and he was stretchered off. Tattie had a go from the edge of the box (which would be the first of many in this half!) and it was blocked. Neisher fired the rebound into the training ground. Longside's Reid picked up the game's first yellow for a tackle on Jaffa, and from the free kicke the ball was worked into the box and Tattie fired over. Two minutes later Neisher set up tattie again, same outcome albiet with a deflection this time. With twenty to go the referee had to tie his laces. Thought we better include that minor detail just to give the guy a mention- he handled the game well with nothing controversial so its the only way he would get mentioned! Murray shot well wide of Tony's post as the home side struggled to get back into the game and Jaffa did like wise for us. With 11 minutes left we effectively sealed the tie when Neisher battled well at the edge of the box to win posession and set up the GINGER ONE who beat Simpson to make it three. But at Dyce we like to make things a little bit exciting and two minutes later we went to sleep at a free kick and WOOD headed home at the far post. Tattie added to his day's collection by shooting wide again, before Longside were given a great opportunity in injury time to make things more nervy. A shot was blocked by Stevie Mur, it was hit at pace but struck his hand. Like our own one it was soft, but was a penalty. Robertson stepped up but Tony got down well to his left to not only save it but hold onto the ball. The relief of that was soon forgotten when it was pointed out that the scribe had a 3-2 win on the score predicitor, so Tony made sure the lead at the top of that table wasn't extended!

Culter 1 - Dyce 1 (6th May 2008)

Our penultimate league game saw us travel to Crombie Park to take on reigning champions Culter. The Deesiders have faced a huge backlog of fixtures which looks like catching up with them, and after we managed our second draw of the season against them they will now have their work cut out to win a 5th title. The opening 20 minutes was almost like a meaningless end of season game with nowt much of note happening, with Culter having slightly the better of things. Rattray had a free kick easily held by Tony and ex-Dyce man Monksey's cross evaded everyoneand that was about it. Midway through the half we started to look more dangerous and created a number of chances in quick succession. Jaffa headed straight at Knox, Tattie's header was well tiped over by the keeper and Davidson's lob over Knox dropped inches wide. Neisher then shot over before play moved to the other end with Monksey heading off the top of the bar. Tony had to deal with a dangerous cross/shot from Brown and with 10 minutes to half time the game took a dramatic twist. Neisher latched onto a through ball and got there before Knox who had raced out of his box. The beanpole headed the ball over the keeper, who then absolutely clattered him to the deck. Knox was shown a straight red and Dazzy fired the resultant free kick wide.
H-T 0-0
4 mins into the second period we almost grabbed the lead when stand in keeper Rattray palmed a corner to Neish and his shot was blocked on the line by Craik. Two mins later however we got our noses in front. Dazzy played a great ball over the Culter defence and NEISHER timed his run to perfection and from the edge of the box lobbed the onrushing Rattray. We were ok for the next 10 mins but then seemed to stop, maybe thinking job done. Wrong! We started giving free kicks away (Webby and Stevie Mur collecting their weekly yellows in the process) and also giving posession away. With 20 to go Monksey had a great chance for Culter when he was in acres of space in the box but Tony made a tremendous save low down. Culter continued to have the lions share of the ball, but we looked like holding onto the lead until with just 5 minutes from time Farmer burst into the box and was taken down by Jaffa. No complaints, pretty clearcut penalty. CAMPBELL stepped up and sent Tony the wrong way to level. The last few minutes were nervy with Culter knowing they really had to win the game to keep alive their title hopes, and they almost grabbed a winner when a low cross from Cooper was deflected off Dazzy's foot but Tony reacted well to save at his near post. We held on to maintain our unbeaten record against the home side this season, but it wasn't pretty!

Turriff United 0 - Dyce 2 (17th May 2008)

We claimed the Norsco Regional Cup on Friday night with a two goal victory over holders Turriff Utd at Maud's Pleasure Park. The scribe's notes went missing somewhere along the line, most likely in the haze of champagne and drams afterwards so what follows is purely from memory which really isn't the best. What was clear was that the opening spell was cagey with neither side creating much. Then out of nothing we grabbed a 10th minute lead. NEISHER latched onto a great through ball and as Buchanan narrowed the angle the beanpole striker calmly slotted past him for the opener. The rest of the half saw Turra have the lion's share of posession without really troubling Tony. The closest they came was when a screamer of a shot looked net bound until Jaffa did brilliantly to head off the line. Tony had to deal with a couple of awkward crosses which he did well under pressure and apart from that not much really happened, as the game was stopped time and time again for soft fouls.....mostly given against us. Anyhow we got to half time ahead and it was inside to enjoy the excellent Maud hospitality.
H-T 0-1
The second half was fairly similar to the first, with Turriff probably having more posession although we did look like getting forward and into dangerous positions more often. Tony continued to deal superbly with the crosses he faced, and also had to make a good stop from Robertson. Neisher broke clear on the left and left the back four trailing but Buchanan was well positioned to block his low shot. Tony was back in action soon after making a tremendous save from Harris who looked certain to score. At that point we began to think surely it was our night and this was confirmed with just 3 minutes left when a good move down the right saw the ball cut back to Alfie EDENE who fired into the keepers bottom right hand corner. At this point it was game over and although Turra kept trying by this stage they just didn't look like scoring, and the celebrations began shortly after.

Dyce 4 - Turriff United 1 (20th May 2008)

We rounded off our league campaign with a fine 4-1 win over Turriff Utd, the side we defeated in the regional final the previous week. Things started well with the GINGER ONE latching on to a through ball and lobbing Fraser to open the scoring in the 4th minute. A couple of Turra players had a bit of a debate as to who was to blame, with Robertson being booked for his comments. He then bizzarely signalled to the bench to be subbed- a request that was promptly turned down. The rest of the half was fairly low key with neither keeper troubled, until the visitors equalised half an hour in with a freak of a goal. King sclaffed a shot which was tame and going miles wide. Webby took a swipe at it to try and clear it but sliced it towards Tony, who looked more like he was waving at his new bairn than trying to catch the ball and flapped it goalward. He scurried back and collected the ball but the linesman deemed it to be over the line and we were level. Nae much else happned until the break.
H-T 1-1
We started the 2nd half on the front foot and 10 mins in were back in front. HENDO did brilliantly to skin his man and fired a 25 yard shot into the top near corner which seemed to take the keeper by surprise. Three mins later Luggy's through ball found JORDAN racing in on goal and he flicked the ball past the advancing Fraser for number three. Sub Alfie then got on the end of a great 8 pass move but Fraser saved well as we looked like running away with it. We remained in control of the game and in the 84th minute grabbed a 4th when the keeper made a horlicks of dealing with a headed passback and COOKIE took advantage to net from a tight angle. The same player netted again shortly after but this one was disallowed for offside. So we ended up finishing 6th in the league, the same as last year- but we are a point better off and of course have the Regional Cup in the trophy cabinet. A great end to the season!