Its Thursday night and UEFA comes to town with local team Dynamo Kiev vs. arch rivals Metalist Kharkiv. I hadn’t been to a local match so a few of the expat guys decided to give it a go.

We got tickets just off half way and in the front row for 100 UAH (10 euro) each so we thought we’d be sorted. While close, the conditions were not as luxurious as Emirates Stadium in London - but we had a good view - of the police. The stadium was very small and the facilities not great (i.e. i couldn’t get a hot-dog) - they have a long way to go before hosting the European Championships in 2012.

On our way into the stadium we had to work hard to dodge stray punches and the odd police tackle. The main entrance was pretty jammed with local youths loaded with a few beers and voddies. The police lines were also pretty basic so it wasn’t hard to see how the fans got the fireworks for goal time and the away fans - mind you, they found a lipstick in one of the guys pockets - don’t ask how that got there.

The game itself was reminiscent of the under 12’s that Hutchie used to play in - with everyone chasing the ball in a pack. After 54 freezing minutes Kiev scored which got the blood circulating again and the fireworks lit up - the warmth was welcome. 28 minutes later the game ended - thank god.

I now have my Dynamo Kyiv scarf, and a cold but I can chalk up another experience.

p.s. final score 1 - 0 DK - off to Kharkiv for the second leg.