It’s an all-Whitburn affair as county girls produce real thriller in national cup final

Jun 25 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

AS the two girls football teams lined up in the Finals of the Coalfields Regeneration Trusts’ Midnight Leagues at Hampden Park on Sunday there was one thing for sure — the trophy would be coming back to Whitburn.

Because the final had thrown up an unlikely clash between Whitburn 1 and Whitburn 2 as the county girls who are usually friends became foes, for the duration of the match at least.

The girls were drawn on the pitch directly in front of the large crowd.

And the game was a thriller with nothing between the sides so it was no surprise when it ended in a draw.

With no clear winner the game went to the lottery of a sudden death penalty shoot-out which Whitburn 1 won after just one effort apiece.

Scottish FA Chief Executive Gordon Smith presented the prizes, along with Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP Cathie Craigie and Coalfields Regeneration Trust Scottish Trustees Nicky Wilson and Joe Thomas.

Ten-year old Kerry Ann Charles from the defeated Whitburn 2 eased her disappointment at being pipped at the post by being awarded the player of the tournament, in the girls section.

Another local player, goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson of Bathgate was the player of the tournament in the 12-13 age group.

Around 250 youngsters from all over Central Scotland took part in the finals with two North Lanarkshire teams, Fabio’s Chosen Few and Bayer Neverlosin winning the boys 12-13 age group and the 14-16 group respectively.

Coalfields Regeneration Trustee Joe Thomas, the former West Lothian Provost said: “It was really great to see so many young people having such a wonderful time.

“We all owe a great deal to the Scottish FA and their development officers who did a fantastic job organising the Finals, and for all the work they put in to make the leagues a success all through the year.

“The Trust is proud to support midnight league football which does so much to encourage young people in former mining areas to get involved in sport, and helps them keep out of mischief.

“The midnight leagues meet our objectives of encouraging healthy lifestyles and making local communities stronger and safer places for everyone.”