My Favourite Pars Matches

Away Days, by Buffy

1, Awa to Brechin for a tantalising 7-1 drubbing of Hedge United - it was a scorching day, I was on updates duty and after a couple of barrels of pre match Coca Cola, perched beside oor Tracey, I was bamboozled by their 10 v our 11. How ye miss someone being sent off is anyone’s guess but I managed to.

But the best bit was the tannoy announcer - when after a freak last minute goal was scored for the home side - roared “GAME ON” Bloody brilliant sense of humour, and the loveliest stadium and kiosk staff anywhere.

2, The big day oot at Hampden Park in 2004. I was greetin walking in, at HT, and left afore the Hoops picked up their medals. Another scorcher of a day, taking in the sea of b&w flags and 12,000 smiling Pars fans, having our photos taken by a former Dunfermline Press pal (my big brother’s friends looked like they stepped off the set of Braveheart with their painted faces) and me in ma frock (of course!). Skerla’s goal and the HT score line forever etched.

3, this was mentioned on the forum by a few souls - not a game - but the day of the memorial for Norrie. I’d never encountered so many men crying, before and after Bert Paton’s address, and witnessing 1000s of scarves being placed - and not just DAFC - on the pavement outside the stadium.

4, It’s been 14 years since the title winning game at Greenock on a rare sunny day. I’d gone there as the pillion passenger to big brother on his bmw motorcycle, me on updates and him on co-commentary for ParsTV. Davie Graham’s 20 yard screamer had me out my seat, and I watched the netbook slide off my lap, over the front wall and down on to the pitch below (returned by a Morton team substitute). An amazing day, fans wearing BMMMH masks, an invite for yours truly to join Macca and the team back at EEP for champagne celebrations. I cannae mind how I got hane.

5, Barry Nicholson’s goal away to ICT 2004 semi final replay
From The Scotsman

“The goal, described as a "magnificent individual effort," saw Nicholson receive a pass, flick the ball past a defender, nutmeg another, and then evade a final challenge before side-footing the ball into the net; it seemed to take place in three stages, each producing a more audible gasp from the scarcely believing audience".

Yup, my thoughts too. I’d also add sublime, inspiring and seat-in-front-of-me-blootered-my-knee-and-still-have-the-scar excitement.