Elgin City attacker Ryan Sargent played against boyhood heroes Aberdeen, marked by Scotland international Nicky Devlin and backed by his Dons-supporting family at Borough Briggs
An Aberdeen fan backed by his Dons-supporting family, Ryan Sargent was gunning to bring down his boyhood heroes in the Scottish Cup.
The Fraserburgh-based striker couldn’t inspire a shock Elgin City win on Saturday as the Pittodrie men won 3-0, but it couldn’t spoil the biggest game of his career.
“It was all about just enjoying the occasion, enjoying all the fans that's been here and enjoying being up against a good side,” he said.
“I was up against Nicky Devlin, their captain and a Scotland international, so it's good to test yourself against that kind of boys.
“A couple of times I got in behind him, but you notice the differences. They're much stronger, they're much fitter, faster.
“But I thought we played well, especially the first 25 minutes. Whenever they got the second goal, it kind of killed us. If it was over the line, we're not quite sure, but it just kind of takes the sting out of the game.”
Sargent recalls being taken to watch Dons matches at Pittodrie by his dad and grandfather in his youth, although his own football career now limits how often he sees his heroes in action.
His family follow that career, and although they are mainly Aberdeen-daft they gave an Elgin player their full backing on the day.
“My family were all proud today because they were up watching. I had a lot of people there to see me play in this game.
“They're all Dons fans - maybe not today though! So it's a good occasion for me and my family as well.
“The team played really well. We were speaking in the changing rooms and half time, saying we're still in the game here.
“It only takes one goal or one big chance, even if it's saved, the crowd's on your back again. So, but it just never happened. The break didn't happen.
“We did get a penalty shout, but I thought the ref wasn't giving us much, to be honest. But that's just, that's just how it is.”
Sargent twice played against Aberdeen’s first team in testimonial or friendly matches while at Fraserburgh in the Highland League, but he loved Saturday’s cup meeting.
I've been going to the game since I was younger, so it is good, because this is going to be the third time playing against, like, a first team. So, but it is.
“It was a good experience. And you just notice the sharpness of them.
“They bring on the subs as well, like Leighton Clarkson, Shinnie. They're like, right, we'll get into the game in the second half. And then they bring on that kind of subs, fresh legs.
“So it does make it a bit harder. But then the sending off as well, it kind of knocks us for six. But overall, we're happy with the performance.
“I did have a wee chance in the first ten minutes. A header, I tried to play it across when maybe I should have went for a goal, like the Kelty one (his opening goal in the last round).
“But I thought playing it across, so Dajon (Golding) could get a little nick and it would be a goal. But if little chances like that goes your way and then it's 1-0, the game changes.
“We just need to move on to the league again and build up our confidence. Because I thought 3-0 kind of flattered them, but the main thing is we gave a good account of ourselves.”