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Aberdeen 1 Dumbarton 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 08.03.14

Aberdeen City, Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Mar 112014

There wasn’t much between the Dons and Sons in this Scottish Cup quarter final tie, recounts Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Cold yet relatively windless, it was the match everyone thought would be a wipe out for the away side, and that Dumbarton would be swept away under a deluge of goals inflicted upon them by a stubborn Aberdeen side.

In reality, the only incident that put anything between the two teams was an Aberdeen goal after 53 minutes.

Set piece king Barry Robson found the head of Adam Rooney not long into the second half via a corner, where before, the Reds were generally under the cosh and were lucky not to be at least a goal down.

1-0 Aberdeen!

There were some hairy moments for the home side as the Championship outfit quested for an answer to Rooney’s effort.

Niall McGinn then came on for Cammy Smith after 70 minutes. Scott Vernon followed, replacing goal scorer Rooney on the 83 minute mark.

Robson left the pitch four minutes later, with Nicky Low coming off the bench.

It’s definitely good that Aberdeen are a side able to fashion themselves as a team able to grind out results when not everything is going their way.

On the other hand, it’s a tad worrying that they struggled so much against lower league opposition. They’ll have to turn on the style a tad more to beat teams like their League Cup rivals Inverness.

It could perhaps be put down to fatigue given the spate of fixtures they’ve had this last thirty days or so.

Final score: 1-0.

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Aberdeen Karate Athletes Win 16 Munich Medals

Aberdeen City, Featured, News, Sport No Responses »

Mar 062014

John McInnes – Silver kumite

By Charlie Abel.

Aberdeen’s own National Karate Federation have done it again.

They represented NKF Scotland on the world stage during the open World Karate Confederation (WKC) Championships held in Munich, Germany on 24th and 25th January.

While many of us folks back home were tucking into their traditional Burns haggis, the Aberdonian athletes were burning off the calories and fighting their way through some really tough competition.

Facing over 400 competitors from 14 countries the self-funded NKF had some great results, against giant competition from the USA (who had some 400,000 karate students and government funding to draw from) and Russia who even had members of their military taking part.

Participants travelled from Norway, Lithuania, Northern Ireland, Italy, Serbia, Germany, France and many more. Team coach and chief NKF instructor Ronnie Watt 8th Dan (O.B.E. & order of the rising sun) said:

“The team were outstanding. I’m absolutely delighted! It’s one of the best results we ever had. All the team have been training really hard, some since the age of 7. To get so many medals against such fierce and overwhelming competition from around the world is remarkable. We were vastly outnumbered but these results show we were not out-classed. For such a small club from a small country we proved we have big hearts, brave hearts and dedication to our Karate.”

Invitations for the NKF squad to perform and teach Karate have been coming in from around the world. 25 MSP’s at the Scottish Parliament have signed a motion to formally thank the NKF. Many letters of congratulations from politicians and diplomats have been arriving on Ronnie’s door step.

RESULTS:

Nissara Kirk – Bronze kumite

Aberdeen based NKF managed to bag an incredible 16 medals for Scotland.

John McInnes (18) won silver in male Kumite (sparring) narrowly missing out on a gold due to being forced by judges to withdraw during the fight due to the blood flowing from his brow after a punch struck him, needing several stitches.

Three sisters from Inverurie, Sara, Chloe and Lisa Calder took home an incredible 8 medals between them.

Their father Jock Calder, (Senior NKF squad coach, 5th Dan) is very proud of them and after their hard training they have now taken a total of 18 medals at world championships, one being a Gold for Lisa Calder in 2006.

Sara (14) won a bronze medal in the kumite (sparring). Chloe (18) reached the finals for Kata winning a bronze medal and faced the Serbian champion in kumite where she won Silver. Lisa (21) reached fourth place in the seniors kata and faced the Lithuanian WKC world champion in the final and won silver.

The two older sisters also took part in the team event for Kata along with Nissara Kirk, the team winning bronze in the kata and silver in the kumite.

Hamish Barclay, John Willis, Mike Smialowski and Kai Thompson all performed well reaching the semi-finals in the individuals and fourth in the team events.

In the examinations section, congratulations to Paddy Jamieson who was promoted to senior referee, Chris Davidson to Judge, Jock Calder 5th Dan and Roxy Watt 4th Dan who were promoted to senior coach.

The NKF squad are back in training now and are aiming for success at the next festival. One which they will host themselves in Aberdeen in May. The International Karate Festival.

Anyone interested in training Karate should call Aberdeen 734607 for more information. The club meet in Aberdeen, Cults, Kintore and Inverurie.

Ronnie Watt adds:

“ We are always keen to attract new members of all ages.”

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Hat Trick for Robert Gordon University at Universities’ Boat Race

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Mar 032014

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Robert Gordon University has won the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Boat Race for the third consecutive year.

They won with a record breaking time of seven minutes and 47 seconds, beating rivals Aberdeen University by two lengths.

Despite losing the race, Aberdeen University also broke the original record of eight minutes and one second with their time of seven minutes and 54 seconds.

Encouraging cheers could be heard from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club as supporters lined the banks of the River Dee to watch the universities battle it out on the water.

Gillian Paterson, president of Robert Gordon University Boat Club, says,

“Yes we did it! We secured a hat trick for Robert Gordon University with three consecutive wins! I am so proud of everyone who rowed this year, there were a lot of cold early mornings and late nights but we got there. Thank you for the continued support of Aberdeen Asset Management, Bob Newton on the Boat Race committee, our coach and crew members for making our success possible. Lauren is a fantastic president and her crew were excellent challengers as always. The whole experience was so much fun and I am already looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

The Alumni boat race was won by Robert Gordon University by two and a half lengths in a time of eight minutes and 15 seconds. The Universities’ second crew boat race was won by Aberdeen University with a time of two minutes and 18 seconds.

The media challenge cup was won by the Evening Depress in a time of one minute and 20 seconds, beating Original FM by three lengths. They raced 300m in coxed ‘tub’ pairs for the media challenge cup.

Hugh Little, Head of Acquisitions at Aberdeen Asset Management says,

“I would like to give our huge congratulations to the winning crew, Robert Gordon University. I would also like to express my admiration for each of the crew members who continue, year after year, to show dedication and determination in the lead up to, and on the day, of the race. As always, each crew put their heart and soul into the competition and both are truly worthy competitors. The atmosphere on the banks of the River Dee was electric with supporters uniting to cheer on their respective university. At Aberdeen Asset Management, we are proud to continue supporting Scotland’s oldest and possibly most fiercely competitive boat race.”

For further information contact:
Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR
Email: jkelly@trickerpr.com
Telephone: 01224 646491

Follow the 2014 Aberdeen Boat Race on www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace or on Twitter @2014BoatRace.

Aberdeen 1 St Johnstone 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 1.03.14

Aberdeen City, Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Mar 032014

St Johnstone will be smarting after failing to secure a draw, let alone all three points, reasons Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was a chilly afternoon at Pittodrie, and the home crowd were treated to an early goal.

Ryan Jack from 25-yards out hit the ball with no real conviction or power and still managed to beat the keeper and all after only 8 minutes.

1-0 Aberdeen!

In all honesty there’s not much to report from there onwards. The McDiarmidPark men put the Dons under consistent pressure. They rattled shots of the post and sometimes their own bad luck, rather than ineptitude, kept them off target.

Goal scorer Jack left the pitch on the 63 minute mark, with Barry Robson replacing. Niall McGinn also came off for Cammy Smith.

15 minutes later Pater Pawlett came off for Nicky Low. The latter was involved in the second booking of ex-Reds striker Steven MacLean, and duly got him sent off for his troubles.

Aberdeen were definitely a tad lucky to come out as victors in this contest, and a draw would have been a fairer result. Had St Johnstone taken all their chances, they’d have been outright victors.

However, it’s good to see the Dandies hold on stubbornly to narrow leads. Competing at the top level requires an instinct to grind out results against stiff opposition.

If Aberdeen keep up this form, we’ll be looking forward to two cup finals and perhaps finish as runners up in the league.

Final score: 1-0.

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Aberdeen 0 Inverness CT 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 18.01.14

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Jan 192014

The Dons finally bottled it today, raves Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

With over 12,000 in attendance, it’s clear the Dons would be playing in front of an expectant crowd. A crowd expecting victory
It was a chilly afternoon, if not a little bit misty. Nothing the Pittodrie floodlight system couldn’t handle, though. This meant Barry Robson could arguably contend his early corner kick shot wasn’t just a wayward delivery that hit off the top of the crossbar and top netting.

Aberdeen dominated possession but did little with it, and they were to suffer the consequences for not being more clinical.

Thistle looked dangerous on the attack, particularly on the break. Their forward was generously gifted a shot from ten yards out and pounced.

0-1 (Danny Williams) after 22 minutes

Four minutes later, the home support broke out in rapturous applause. This was to mark the life – and death – of young Aberdeen fan, Cammy Smith.

This positivity starkly contrasted with the later frustration of the home crowd when the referee got in the way of play. He feebly ducked the oncoming ball unsuccessfully and got hit. He duly had abuse hurled at him for his trouble.

Unfortunately there was little worthy of a mention in the remainder of the proceedings.

Alan Tate was replaced by Joe Shaughnessy after 58 minutes. A minute later, Robson came off for Jonny Hayes. At the 65 minute mark, Josh Magennis came on for Scott Vernon.

Of the last substitution, if was clear that Vernon had to be taken off. If I had the choice I’d have taken off Niall McGinn too. These two seem to be just going through the motions, these last few games.

The most bitterly ironic thing is thatf Gregg Wylde, who moved to St Mirren the other day, might have made the difference in this game; if only to take a point instead of none at all.

Final score: 0-1.

Aberdeen V Motherwell – Pittodrie Stadium 26.12.13

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 262013

Aberdeen were left with their tails between their legs by a frustrating and defensively stubborn Motherwell side, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Brisk weather conditions ensured the match would be an evenly contested outing, as opposed to the freakish winds that aided Barry Robson’s corner kick goal against St Mirren about a fortnight ago.

He insisted in an interview earlier, however, that it was entirely deliberate!

Moving on, Aberdeen had a clear cut chance very early on in the game, with Jonny Hayes sending a free header totally off target. His timely tackles throughout more than made up for this.

The Dons dominated most of the first half with chances aplenty. However, there was little incision, with many backward and side to side passing merely to maintain possession.

After the break, Motherwell came out resolved and ready to turn the tables on the Pittodrie side. Slack passing between Willo Flood and Ryan Jack gave opportunity for the Fir Park men to exploit.

0-1 (Lionel Ainsworth) after 49 minutes.

70 minutes into the game, defender Joe Shaughnessy left the pitch to be replaced by Josh Magennis. Fifteen minutes later, Robson came off for Craig Murray, and Calvin Zola came on for Scott Vernon.

I suppose it’s only karma that Aberdeen would have a seemingly legitimate goal disallowed. Why, only a fortnight ago, the Reds benefitted from a similar decision going against St Mirren.

The crowd’s reaction, a mixture of relief and euphoria was what you’d usually expect come a goal. However, there was a marked difference. No goal scorer mentioned over the tannoy system.

I daresay that they missed Mark Reynolds in the heart of defence. Also, starting with a player of the size and stature of Zola may have helped batter, bruise and weary the well drilled Steelmen.

Final score: 0-1.

Heartache For Partick As Dons Dish Up A Doing

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Nov 052013

Perhaps it’s a good sign when not only do you expect a win for your team, but you also envisage a clean sheet, too, says fitba reporter Andrew Watson.

Aberdeen started the game brightly and on the attack, but with little end result.

A seemingly speculative free kick from Niall McGinn, though, saw Scotland call-up keeper Scott Fox pick the ball out of his net after 25 minutes.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Fifteen minutes later and Peter Pawlett was running at Thistle’s defence, posing a goalmouth threat for Calvin Zola to net from only two yards out.

2-0.

11 minutes after the interval, the impressive Cammy Smith left the pitch, with ex-Celtic man Barry Robson coming on. Zola then came off to be replaced by Scott Vernon at the 64 minute mark.

Michael Hector, formerly of Millwall, rocketed an absolute wonder shot into the roof of the net approximately at the time of that latter substitution.

3-0.

Only seconds later Partick might have pulled one back after a cheeky dink from the centre of the park, but the enquiring shot was beaten by Jamie Langfield’s crossbar.

Pawlett came off to allow for club captain Russell Anderson fourteen minutes after Hector’s goal, arguably to shore up the defence and earn a much desired fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Hector was also involved in a superb cross for McGinn to finish expertly after 87 minutes.

4-0.

To be fair, the score belied the sometimes excellent efforts of the Firhill men, who besieged the Dons defence. It’s just that they didn’t finish chances, unlike what was achieved at the other end of the field by a side more clinical in attack.

Final score: 4-0.

Stuff Yer Donald Trump

Creative Writing, Opinion, Sport 1 Response »

Oct 212013

By Bob Smith.

A wis spikkin tae a gowfer
T’wis jist the ither day
Fa wis tellin me a story
Aboot Americans here tae play
.
He wis playin ower at Murcar
An met some Yankee billies
Fa’s opeenion o The Donald
Wid gie Dod Sorial the willies
.
The chiels hid played Royal Dornoch
An ither courses aat war gweed
Afore tryin oot Murcar’s challenge
Far ye hiv tae use the heid
.
Fin ask’t aboot playin Trumpie’s
They fair did hoot an holler
Sayin they hid nae intenshuns
O gien The Donald a dollar
.
Their opeenion o the Trumpie
Wid mak Donald tak the hump
The haill lot they did cry
“Stuff yer Donald Trump”

Noo a’ve heard the same opeenion
Fae Yanks playin “the hame o gowf”
Maist widna be spennin ony siller
At the Menie course an howff
.
It wid appear aat The Donald
Is nae weel thocht o at aa
Fowk in the lan o his birth
Nae langer heed his blaw
.
Noo in the rest o Bonnie Scotland
Seems the mannie’s thocht a joke
Only in the rich Nor-east corner
At Donald– fun ye canna poke
.
The mannie’s “tilt at windmills”
Fin he roars an teers his hair
If they warna near his gowf course
Div ye think the bugger wid care?
.
Awa wi yer “Love o Scatland” min
Some think yer jist a bam
We’ll aye drink a toast tae justice
O coorse wi a Glenfiddich dram

Mist, Rain And Flood As Dons Triumph

Featured, Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Oct 212013

The spitting rain and low mist made for sometimes dull viewing on Saturday, though a Dons victory resulted nonetheless, says fitba reporter Andrew Watson, on his welcome return to the Voice team.

At least the away support appeared to make light of the weather, littering the pitch with orange and black balloons. They even shot rolls of paper from the stand when the whistle sounded for kick-off. The Tangerines had arrived in force.

Visitors Dundee United haven’t won at Pittodrie since 2009, and in some respects may feel cheated of at least a point after threatening goal on a handful of occasions. Having said that, neither team had many shots on target throughout.

If every player attacked the game with the same sense of urgency as Dandies’ midfielder Willo Flood, it would have been an entirely different spectacle.

He was the proverbial bull in a china shop, the colour of his own jersey acting like a Reds rag as he launched into every tackle. One can only hope this is a regular feature of his performance, and that he wasn’t inspired by the fact he’s an ex-Arabs’ man battling with his ex-teammates. There were boos for him from the away crowd for the duration.

It was only fair that he was awarded Man of the Match, as his work ethic almost singlehandedly propelled the Reds’ engine room in the centre of the park.

Despite this, Dundee United dominated the first half.

However, after the interval Peter Pawlett rushed through the United defence, passing to Niall McGinn, who found Calvin Zola. The man from Zaire slotted an easy ball into the back of the net on 54 minutes.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Joe Shaughnessy left the pitch eleven minutes later, with another ex-United man, Barry Robson coming on. Zola then came off, replaced by Scott Vernon after 77 minutes.

Michael Hector, a promising 21 year old on loan from Reading, was the last of the substitutes in 80 minutes, with Ryan Jack coming off.

The only other incident of note was the booking of Jamie Langfield. It was initially quite hard to figure out quite what had happened. Apparently as time was ticking away, and a United equaliser was threatening, the keeper urged the first aid man to take his time, and let him take the ball himself.

Admittedly, Aberdeen rode their luck in the closing minutes. Some blunders, made by a usually rock- solid defence, nearly cost them points.

Yet, on the other hand, it’s forcing the opposition’s hand, through winning ugly when there are few clear cut chances that accrues league points in the long term.

What do Aberdeen lack right now? Consistency. Results like this, against tough opposition like United, though, are telling proof of the Reds’ potential.

Final score: 1-0.

A Crank’s A Small Action To Start A Revolution

Aberdeen City, News, Sport 2 Responses »

Aug 302013

The latest online bulletin from Aberdeen Cycle Forum (hey, we’re friends, let’s call it ACF) carries items of interest to anyone who’s taken advantage of the warm summer we’ve just enjoyed, to commute, exercise or just trundle a unicycle for leisure through Duthie Park. As their message says, ‘It seems like autumn may be sneaking up on us’. Thanks to ACF.

Aberdeen City Council has succeeded in persuading Pedal for Scotland to bring one of its rides to the city on Sunday 15 September.

It’s a short ride of about four miles around the Beach, and it will be motor traffic-free.

It’s specifically aimed at families or occasional cyclists and there’s a small cost to enter

If Aberdeen and the NE’s cyclists turn out in numbers, there’s every chance that we might see bigger and better Pedal for Scotland events offered here in the future.

The council’s also supporting In Town Without My Car on Sunday 22 September as part of European Mobility Week. ACF will be among several cyclist-interest groups at the event and will have a stall there on the day. If you’re interested in coming along to help out, and to talk to your fellow Aberdonians on the delights of pedal-powered transportation, you can contact ACF at info@aberdeencycleforum.org.uk We’ll carry the start time in Voice when it’s been confirmed.

There’s welcome news for those city centre two-wheelers, or unicyclists indeed, who stoically suffer jarred wrists and pain to their more delicate parts. The resurfacing of Union Street near Belmont Street, to replace the badly broken-up tarmac, is imminent. The Council has let ACF know that the smooth surface will be extended westwards over Union Bridge.

However, during the resurfacing, planned to take place between 9 and 27 September, the current cycle parking in the area is going to be replaced. New cycle stands have been ordered but may not be in place until mid to late October. ACF’s website will keep interested cyclists updated.

ACF has been working to identify potential Quality Cycle Corridors for Aberdeen and make them available on the Forum website. The first of these is the Westhill route, in the form of a .PDF outline suggesting what needs to be done to raise standards for cyclists along this major commuter corridor. Comments are invited from anyone interested.

Finally, Facebook users, asks ACF, don’t forget to follow the ACF page. It’s growing fast from a slow start and there are more than 100 Facebookers who now like ACF and get automatic updates as they are posted. One recent post was viewed by over 700 people. There’s also been a significant number of new sign-ups to the Forum mailing list, probably connected to ACF’s increased visibility.

So, goes the plea, ‘Like, share, re-post or whatever, and we will slowly but surely raise the profile of cycling issues in Aberdeen’.

The next ACF monthly meeting is on Tuesday 27 August at 1930 in the Town House on Broad St. New faces are always welcome.
www.aberdeencycleforum.org.uk

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