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The Sheep Are On Fire

Aberdeen City, Creative Writing No Responses »

Mar 202014

By Bob Smith.

Fae Inverness an Aiberdeen
Doon ti east o Glesga Green
Fitba fans in reid or blue
An fegs they war a motley crew
.
Scarves an flags aa ower the place
Some fowk they wore a sheepie’s face
Dons fans aa decked in new attire
Statin aat “The Sheep Are on Fire”
.
The atmosphere it wis rich braw
Celtic or Rangers nae missed ava
Fans aa oot ti enjoy the game
Yet only ae team wid fin fame
.
Baith teams strode on green sward
90 meenits awa fae their reward
Fa wid win ess ‘eer’s League Cup
An fae its innards git ti sup?
.
The fans war still at fever pitch
Fin Dons they suffered a major glitch
Wee Jonny Hayes lost ti the fray
Nae mair wid Jonny git ti play
.
Only ae team wis tryin ti win
Some fitba tactics they are a sin
Caley Thistle they defendit weel
Frustration Dons fans began ti feel

A huuner and twenty meenits we did get
Yet naebody cwid fin the bliddy net
A penalty shoot oot wi did hae
Nae goals war scored fae open play
.
Up steppit CT’s Billy McKay,
The chiel he wid hae first try
Bit “Clangers” wis an instant hero
An Inverness stairtit wi a zero
.
The Dons wint inti a twa goal lead
As Inverness hairts they did bleed
Adam Rooney hut the winnin strike
Celebrations? Ye’ve nivver seen the like
.
Forty thoosan fans lit oot a roar
Fit wid hae bin heard in Baltimore
The cup wis oors – oh michty me
Fae doots an fears we noo war free
.
Russell Anderson wi een o his hans
Held up the cup tae delirious fans
Growne mannies an wifie’s hid a greet
An geets war liftit aff their feet
.
The sheep are on fire, the sheep are on fire
A Scottish Cup win wis noo the desire
Ti win at Parkheid an syne at Ibrox
Wid hae Weegies teerin oot their locks.

©Bob Smith “The Poetry Mannie” 2014.

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 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 2 Celtic 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 25.02.14

Aberdeen City, Opinion, Sport 2 Responses »

Feb 262014

Squeaky bum time for the duration, but a vital victory against an until now unbeaten Celtic side reports Voice’s Andrew Watson.

The wind blew through Pittodrie, and along with it came a rain which at times hailed horizontally.

The velocity of play was intense and made the mind boggle as to how it could be maintained throughout.

It didn’t take the crowd long to be up in arms.

The home support greeted Virgil van Dijk’s sending off as one would welcome a goal or a cup final. So after only 12 minutes, Celtic were down to ten men.

Although this somewhat evened up proceedings, Celtic managed to put Aberdeen under a lot of pressure regardless.

On the 41 minute mark, Niall McGinn found Jonny Hayes. The Dubliner took a chance from thirty yards and found the top corner, denting Fraser Forster’s clean sheet record.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Only 4 minutes later McGinn found on form Adam Rooney, whose diving header in turn found the net.

2-0 Aberdeen!

What proceeded in the second half was sustained pressure from the Parkhead men, and if I could blame anyone for what followed I would point to Alan Tate. His poor headed clearance handed Celtic a goal, and a way back into the game.

2-1 (James Forrest) after 62 minutes.

From where I was sitting, in the Main Stand, the Englishman could have made a pass back to Jamie Langfield, but opted to head out the box; which inevitably found Scott Brown.

Tate left the pitch on the 83 minute mark, with Joe Shaughnessy coming on. Shaleum Logan also came off to make way for Russell Anderson.

Peter Pawlett came off after 92 minutes to be replaced by Scott Vernon.

The Dons were definitely lucky to win this one, though it must be said that Celtic took for granted they’d eventually win the game.

Final score: 2-1.

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Iconic Dons Mountain Bike To Be Raffled

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Feb 212014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

As the Dons prepare to contest the League Cup Final against Inverness Caley Thistle at Celtic Park, supporters who were around at the time of Aberdeen’s last success in that competition will recall the somewhat bizarre prize awarded to the sponsor’s man of the match on the day, midfielder Stephen Glass – the famous, or should that be infamous Coca-Cola mountain bike.

Now, almost 19 years later, the most photographed bike in the history of AFC is going to be raffled, with the proceeds going to the Pittodrie youth development.

Stephen, now residing in the US and coaching the under-14 and under-16 teams at the North Carolina Alliance Academy, explains:

“I still get asked about the bike and what happened to it. It’s actually at my in-laws and Jack, my father-in-law, keeps it in pristine condition. Having come through the Pittodrie youth system myself, I wanted to put something back into the club, particularly as I’m now involved in that area, and donating the bike seemed the obvious choice, particularly with the impending cup final.

“I will be eternally grateful for the grounding the coaches and staff at Pittodrie provided, so hopefully there is an interest to help them continue their work developing more players for the future.”

Stephen’s father-in-law and former Pittodrie season ticket holder Jack McCombie has kept the bike at his house in Montrose since 1995.

“I’ve been round the block on it maybe two or three times and it’s been cleaned regularly so it’s looking good. It’s an important piece of the Club’s history and I’m sure interest in the raffle will be significant.”

AFC Head of Youth Development Neil Simpson is confident that supporters will be eager to get their hands on such an iconic vehicle.

“It’s a fantastic gesture by Stephen and Jack and really appreciated. The picture of Stephen being given the bike in the soaking rain at Hampden is one of the most memorable images of that day and it’s a real opportunity for someone to own something that was very much part of that occasion! Everyone who buys a ticket will also be helping to invest in the future of AFC and that can only be a positive.”

The raffle for the unique bicycle, which is being undertaken in conjunction with the AFC Heritage Trust, will be limited to 5000 tickets at £5 each. They can be purchased via www.afcheritage.org , clicking ‘donate’ on the home page, after which a unique number will be allocated to each ‘ticket’ purchased. Alternatively, numbers can be purchased at Aberdeen Football Club.

Tickets for the raffle can be purchased up until 23.59 on Thursday 13th March 2014, with the draw taking place at Pittodrie Stadium at 12 noon on Friday 14th March 2014. Details of the winner will be published on the Club website that afternoon.

For info – Dave Macdermid – dave@afc.co.uk; 01224 650406; 07710 580148.

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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 1 Hibernian 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 10.01.14

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Jan 132014

Well, they do tend to bottle the big games but this time the Dons delivered, pontificates Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Anytime Aberdeen are in the ascendency and give their fans the opportunity to pack ‘Todders’ to the rafters, and they duly comply, they disappoint and leave the Red Army irate at the whistle for full-time.

This time, however, was different.

A brisk air with little wind made for ideal weather conditions, especially considering the time of year.

I had my free press pass hot drink and pie to warm the cockles, but felt like a heretic ditching the famous Pittodrie Pie for a more salubrious gastronomical experience – ala steak pie; a shameless premium cut off of one of Angus The Bull’s pals. Sorry Angus!

The Easter Road men dominated early proceedings, but more or less slunk into anonymity, with occasional raids into the opposition’s penalty area. There were also sizeable claims for a penalty by the home crowd, gobsmacked that referee Craig Thomson waved play on.

On the face of it, the only other part of the game worth mentioning lies well into the heart of the second half, three minutes shy of full-time and four minutes after Scott Vernon came off for Calvin Zola.

Willo Flood picked up a seemingly innocuous clearance from the Hibees back four, and thundered it into the roof of the net from twenty-five yards out. Cue home crowd going absolutely bananas, considering they probably resigned themselves to settle for a dull, goalless draw.

1-0 (Flood) after 87 minutes.

Two minutes later, Jonny Hayes left the pitch to be replaced by Russell Anderson. At the 92 minute mark, Josh Magennis came on for Niall McGinn.

All in all, Aberdeen were almost frustrated by a stubborn and resolutely defensive Hibernian side. I dare say the timely introduction – almost too late – of Zola into the field of play changed the home side’s fortunes.

New boy Alan Tate seemed solid enough if not slightly ungainly at times. I hope to eventually eat my words, and that he goes on to be a worthwhile addition to a promising Aberdeen squad.

Final score: 1-0.

Aberdeen V Ross County – Pittodrie Stadium 29.12.13

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 302013

What’s the logic in scoring from a free kick yet not a penalty, ponders Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Weather wise it was a clear sky, if not a bit on the chilly side. The Reds were relentless in the opening minutes of the game and were duly rewarded.

Nicky Low and his teammates elected to cause maximum confusion with a set piece straight from the training ground.

He curled the ball beautifully past the opposing keeper, much in manner Niall McGinn has scored recently.

1-0 (Low) after only two minutes!

The Dons onslaught continued, with a successful penalty claim seemingly only minutes after.

The crowd’s reaction wasn’t too different from the cheer you’d get when a goal had been scored. In fact, and sorry to criticise, they seemed to take for granted that they were already now two goals ahead.

Scott Vernon lumbered up for the spot kick, and to be honest I felt my cynicism rise and my hope fade. I hated being proven right in such circumstances as the Staggies keeper parried Vernon’s shot expertly.

73 minutes into the game, with possession metaphorically almost on the other foot, midfielder Ryan Jack left the pitch to be replaced by Barry Robson. Four minutes later, Pawlett came off for Cammy Smith. At the 84 minute mark, Josh Magennis came on for Scott Vernon.

All in all, Aberdeen enjoyed a hearty proportion of the possession but struggled to turn that into goals. Too often they passed backwards and from side to side, with little incision when pushing forward. Long balls didn’t seem to work very well either.

However, players like Mark Reynolds proved in their absence how much they’re needed in the team. It appeared, also, that boss Derek McInnes was deliberately resting players, like captain Russell Anderson.

Final score: 1-0.

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.

Aberdeen v St Mirren: Pittodrie Stadium 14.12.13

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 162013

It was, at times, a scrappy victory, though a victory nonetheless, recounts Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

St Mirren were first off the block with a ball whipped in from the wing, and then turned in to beat Jamie Langfield.

Fortunately for the Dons, this was chalked off for offside.

Not too long afterwards, Scott Vernon came in with a goal, which somewhat begs the question as to why he doesn’t start more often.

20 minutes into the game, keeper Langfield kicked the ball up the park to find Vernon. The ball took an awkward bounce, befuddling the centre-backs and betwixting the keeper. The Englishman managed to control the ball, and then bundle it into the back of the net.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Much of the remainder of the first half saw the Dandies under the cosh. Vital interceptions were made to avoid an equaliser.

Come the second half things changed, but only slightly. Willo Flood came off for Jonny Hayes after 54 minutes.

12 minutes later there was a corner kick opportunity which Barry Robson struck, curling inwards, defying all – and even the keeper. Can’t say I’m convinced it was deliberate, but a goal’s a goal.

2-0 Aberdeen!

Robson was then substituted on the 71 minute mark, replaced by Nicky Low. Aberdeen then made their third and final change after 86 minutes. This was to take off Peter Pawlett, who’d done a power of work, and bring on Joe Shaughnessy.

It’s definitely good that the Reds are grinding out scrappy, and I daresay sometimes flukey results like this.

Final score: 2-0.

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