Hagan's late show forces replay as battling Bluebells keep dream alive

THE Bluebells are blue, and remain in bloom after a late header from Philip Hagan claimed a deserved draw for Lochee United against Ayr United at Thomson Park. With the state of the Dundee pitch having commanded much of the attention in the 18 days since this Homecoming Scottish Cup third-round tie should have been played, the focus now switches to Somerset Park next week.

This tale of two Uniteds has not always been informed by goodwill, with the saga of postponements – yesterday saw the game go ahead at the sixth time of asking – trying the patience of the senior club, who had asked the SFA to consider a change in venue. This helped make the home club's website forum a lively place to visit recently, as Lochee supporters fended off cruel jibes about pub teams from brassed-off Ayr fans. It all lent an extra edge to the proceedings yesterday, when the action finally began in earnest.

Gratifyingly, humour was the outlet for much of this ill-will. "We're all going to Butlins!" sang the boys – and OAPs – in the enclosure behind the goal as East Superleague side Lochee achieved perhaps their greatest result in a history which stretches back to 1892. The dream of becoming the first junior club to reach the fourth round of the Scottish Cup lives on.

"We're just a s**** little pub team," was another ditty sung as the players walked off at the end, smeared head to toe in mud. The pitch ended up resembling a ploughed field, which is perhaps why Charlie Cargill, Angus farmer and Lochee skipper, looked the most comfortable player on the pitch.

This was football stripped bare of its inhibitions, although some refined moments survived the bedlam. Alex Williams' opening goal for Ayr was a sublime chipped finish, and had the away fans anticipating a clash with rivals Kilmarnock next month. Billy Brown, the Rugby Park club's assistant manager, was an interested onlooker, and was one of those revived by a half-time cup of tea served by the female Lochee catering staff – known as the Blue Belles, of course.

Hagan's late intervention leaves this prospective Ayrshire derby in the balance. His header was more than deserved, both by him personally and his team. With the light fading, Gary Middleton crossed from the left. Substitute Paul Blackwood latched onto the ball but saw his effort well saved by Stephen Grindley. Hagan, though, was following up, and nodded into the net. Even George Galloway, famous firebrand and notable Lochee native, could not have made himself heard amid the resultant uproar.

"The bluebells are blue/what colour are you?" one hero crooned in the home end. Blue too, most could have replied as the temperature dropped and the wind whipped around the grassy slopes. Thomson Park, while set on a hill, is also strangely concealed. No visitor from Ayr could have settled for looking for the floodlights in lieu of directions, since the ground has none. Still, a hardy gathering of about 300 Ayr fans managed to locate the park, and make use of 'away' turnstiles which were unbricked for the day. This trip will form a badge of honour for years to come: 'I made it to Lochee'.

Despite the cold, a fine attendance of 954 was attracted to this 1.30pm fixture, something which might interest the owners of those Dundee firms where workforces had mysteriously shrunk yesterday afternoon. Blind eyes will surely be turned and leave-of-absence passes issued as Lochee prepare to travel to Ayrshire next week. Chairman Tom McMillan would prefer the replay to be played on Christmas Eve, in the possibly misguided belief that more supporters will travel. "Just so long as I get to open my toys," was goalscorer Hagan's take on the matter, with the replay date likely to be settled today after consultation between the clubs and the SFA.

It won't be of great concern to McMillan, who was simply delighted that this adventure goes on. He estimates the club will now rake in £20,000 from the tie, which more than makes up for the loss of gate revenue yesterday. All's well that ends well.

Ray McKinnon, currently being linked with the vacant managerial position at Brechin City, did his own reputation no harm here. Lochee, with five men at the back, not only frustrated the visitors, but then tested them. As one fan loudly pointed out prior to half-time: "They're holding us!"

Jim McLean, once McKinnon's nemesis but now his mentor, would have been impressed by the tactical acumen on show. The former Dundee United manager wasn't spotted among those Dundee celebrities drawn to the flame of this intriguing Scottish Cup tie. Angus Cook, the former Dundee chairman who once sought to merge the city's senior clubs, was present, however, as were United players Paul Dixon and Garry Kenneth. They witnessed a thrilling match, one which ultimately brought out the best in the sporting visitors.

Few complaints were aired about the obviously far-from-perfect pitch. Indeed, Ayr manager Brian Reid seemed more concerned about his footwear. "I have just gone and ruined a new pair of shoes," he grumbled.

Lochee Utd: Ross, Krobot, Kirk, Hay, McMillan, Dailly, Hagan, Cargill, Middleton, Thomson, Robertson. Subs not used: Brown, Leahy, Blackwood, Abbot, Bruce.

Ayr: Grindlay, Keenan, McGowan, Walker, Henderson, Stevenson, Borris, Aitken, Williams, Gormley, Agnew. Subs not used: Stewart, Prunty, Easton, Dempsie, Leighfield.