A cold Thursday afternoon in Inverurie isn’t many people’s idea of a source of entertainment but when there’s an under 15’s National Trophy game with eight goals to see, exceptions can be made.
Aberdeen City went into this one knowing they needed a win. Having fallen 4-1 to North of Scotland, this was their final of two games in Group One. This was Aberdeenshire’s first game in the competition, with their game against North of Scotland still to come. Two sides will progress to the next round from the group of three.
It was obvious that City needed the result, as they started off the better of the two sides, showing an obvious ability to pass the ball quickly and effectively.
Within the first ten minutes Shire’s Scott Coull had a couple of half chances. The first saw Coullround the keeper, but he was crowded out by defenders before he could get a shot off.
The second opportunity was blocked by a City defender’s leg, leading to the first corner of the game – a set-piece City would make the most of.
Matthew Petterman’s corner was whipped in with pace and Tom Dalziel’s near post header clipped the post on its way into the goal, giving City a crucial lead.
As odd as it sounds, City might have regretted scoring so early, because it was Dalziel’s goal that sprung Shire into action.
Aberdeenshire began to find their feet almost as soon as City had taken the lead. It took them twenty minutes to almost equalise in style. Zane Laird’s corner ricocheted in the box, the ball found its way to Jamie MacLellan who’s ambitious overhead kick needed a strong hand from Jamie Shingler to push it over the bar.
Just over ten minutes later, Shire found the equaliser they had been hunting. Coull had drifted out wide, where the player that had initially started centrally was having a far bigger influence. Coull’s low cross was met by Laird at close range to draw the scores level.
The score lines remained level at half time – but plenty more goals were to come.